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Legislation About Surprise Medical Bills, Fraud And Sex Assault Advance

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TheStatehouseFile.com

INDIANAPOLIS—Patients would be protected from surprise medical bills under one of the many pieces of legislation that passed out of the Indiana Senate Tuesday. They include:  Senate Bill 3: Provides protections for patients against surprise medical bills.

What it does: SB 3 bars health care providers from charging prices that are out of the patient’s insurance network in emergency cases. It also requires them to provide patients a good faith estimate of the cost of services when requested.

What happened: SB 3 easily passed the Senate by a 49-0 vote with little debate or discussion

What’s next: The bill now advances to the House for action. Senate Bill 268: Would have launched a pilot program for an automated traffic control system.

What it does: The bill would have allowed traffic cameras in certain highway construction zones to control speeding and protect the lives of workers. It also would have barred police from issuing a traffic ticket until the motorist exceeded the speed limit by 11 miles per hour.

What happened: SB 268 was eligible for a final vote in the Senate but its author, Sen. Jon Ford, R-Terre Haute, decided against calling it. He acknowledged that there wasn’t enough support for the bill in the Senate and even if it did pass the House Committee on Roads and Transportation was unlikely to hear it. In earlier hearings, opponents expressed concerns about the privacy of motorists being violated.  What’s next: SB 268 is dead for the 2020 session.

Senate Bill 43: Consolidates numerous Indiana fraud statutes.

What it does: The bill repeals various fraud, deception and mischief offenses and condenses them into few statutes.

What happened: Sen. Michael Young, R-Indianapolis, author of the bill, said that the legislation takes 42 different types of fraud and deception and consolidates them into three laws. Sen. Aaron Freeman, R-Indianapolis, argued against the bill saying it would lead to many appeals as the legal system deals with them.

What’s next: The bill passed 27-22 and will now move to the House for debate.

Senate Bill 146: Defines the rights of sexual assault victims

What it does: The bill provides sexual assault victims the opportunity to speak with a sexual assault counselor before undergoing a forensic medical exam or during the course of an ongoing investigation.

What happened: Sen. Blake Doriot, R-Syracuse, author of the bill, urged passage saying that it is important for victims and survivors to be able to have access to services to help them through the experience.

What’s next: The bill passed 49-0 and will now move to House to be heard.

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Senate Bill 207: Extends the state’s syringe exchange program.

What it does: The bill repeals the expiration date of the syringe exchange program, which is set to expire on July 1, 2021.

What happened: The bill was defeated 22-27. Sen. Jim Merritt Jr., R-Indianapolis, one of the authors of the bill, said it doesn’t change anything in the program except removing the July 1, 2021 date when it was set to expire. Sens. Jack Sandlin, R-Indianapolis, and Erin Houchin, R-Salem, urged lawmakers to vote no saying they saw no results from the program and drug users leave needles behind for the community to clean up. Sen. Michael Crider, R-Greenfield, argued for a yes vote, saying programs like the needle exchange are trying to keep people alive and move toward recovery.

What’s next: The syringe exchange program expires in about a year and a half.

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Senate Bill 263: Requires school staff to be trained before being allowed to carry firearms on school grounds.

What it does: If an employee of a school corporation, charter school or nonpublic school wants to carry a firearm, they must first successfully complete certain firearm training and undergo a personality test. The individual then must provide proof he or she completed the requirements.

What happened: SB 263 passed 42-7 with Sen. Gregory Taylor, D-Indianapolis, saying he voted yes because he believes that if an individual is going to carry a gun in a school they should be trained.

What’s next: The bill now moves to the House for debate.

FOOTNOTE: Lacey Watt and Haley Carney are reporters for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.

 

USI’s Annual International Food Expo To Highlight Culture, Cuisine Of Students From Around Globe

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The University of Southern Indiana International Club and Center for International Programs will host its annual International Food Expo from 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Friday, February 14 in Carter Hall, located in University Center West on the USI campus.

The International Food Expo is an opportunity for USI’s international students to share the cultural diversity, customs and cuisine of their home country with the USI community and the public. In addition to main dishes and desserts from around the world, entertainment will include dances, drumming and other musical performances, as well as a fashion show of traditional, cultural attire.

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $10 from the Center for International Programs in University Center East, Room 1235, or at the door on the day of the Expo for $15. USI students are able to purchase tickets from the Eagle Access Office with their USI ID using Munch Money. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to a local charity.

For additional information, contact Nicole Vernon, program coordinator for the Center for International Programs at nmvernon@usi.edu or 812-228-5092.

EVANSVILLE CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 10, 2020 AGENDA

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City Council Meeting on FEBRUARY 10, 2020 At 5:30 P.M. in the Civic Center
 

AGENDA

I. INTRODUCTION

 

Agenda Attachment:
II. APPROVAL OF MEETING MEMORANDUM

 

Memo Attachment:
III. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

 

IV. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY

 

V. CONSENT AGENDA:  FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

 

A. ORDINANCE R-2020-03 An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 2117 E. Riverside Drive Petitioner: David W. Hamm Owner: David W. Hamm Requested Change: C2 to R1 Ward: 2 Mosby Representative: David W. Hamm
R-2020-03 Attachment:
VI. COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

VII. REGULAR AGENDA:  SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

 

A. ORDINANCE F-2020-01 An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville Authorizing Transfers of Appropriations, Additional Appropriations and Repeal and Re-Appropriation of Funds for Various City Funds Sponsor(s): Weaver Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Discussion Date: 2/10/2020 Notify: Russ Lloyd, Controller
F-2020-01 Attachment:
VIII. RESOLUTION DOCKET

 

IX. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

 

A. THE NEXT MEETING of the Common Council will be Monday, February 24, 2020 at 5:30 p.m.
B. BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
C. ADDITIONAL MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
X. COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

XI. ADJOURNMENT

Tech Executive Drops Democratic Bid For Indiana Governor

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Longtime health care business executive Woody Myers on Wednesday became the presumptive Democratic nominee to challenge Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb as the only other expected candidate dropped out of the race.

Tech business leader Josh Owens announced his endorsement of Myers in a statement as he ended his candidacy just ahead of Friday’s filing deadline for the May primary.

Holcomb has a big front-runner advantage while he seeks re-election and started this year about $7.25 million his campaign account as he’s leveraged leading a GOP-dominated state without any high-profile Democratic challengers.

Owens said in a statement that he believed Democrats needed to avoid a divisive primary.

“During this primary, I’ve had many discussions with Dr. Woody Myers about the future of Indiana and the desperate need for new leadership in the Governor’s office,” Owens said. “While we have some differences, I’m encouraged that like me, he’s not a career politician. Dr. Myers brings an outsider’s perspective on our politics, which is urgently needed.”

Myers, a physician who was Indiana’s state health commissioner in the 1980s, said he was “honored” by Owens’ decision “so that we can all focus on bringing new leadership to the Governor’s office to create solutions to benefit every Hoosier this November.”

“I look forward to working with him to bring access to affordable health care, high-quality education and good-paying jobs to Hoosiers throughout Indiana,” Myers said in a statement.

Myers gained prominence as a state health commissioner by advocating for teenage AIDS patient Ryan White’s right to attend a public school that sought to keep him out due to his illness.

Myers later became New York City health commissioner before holding a string of corporate executive positions, including at Indianapolis-based insurer Wellpoint Inc., Tennessee-based prison medical care provider Corizon Health and health insurer Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona.

Holcomb’s fundraising has dwarfed that of Myers, Owens, and state Sen. Eddie Melton of Gary, who ended his bid for the Democratic nomination in early January.

Myers reported raising $180,000, while Owens raised $84,000 in 2019. Myers promised more aggressive fundraising and announced in January he had hired a top fundraiser for Democratic Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear’s successful 2019 campaign.

Myers spent nearly $1.8 million of his own money on an unsuccessful 2008 Democratic primary bid for an Indianapolis congressional seat, when he finished second to current U.S. Rep. Andre Carson. But Myers has said that he wouldn’t be self-funding his campaign for governor.

Myers will be the first African American on the Democratic or Republican ticket for Indiana governor or lieutenant governor.

Owens, the 34-year-old CEO of Indianapolis-based online retail strategy company SupplyKick, had cast himself as bringing new energy to the campaign with “a bigger, more inclusive vision” for Indiana’s future. He was seeking to become Indiana’s first openly gay nominee for governor.

Right to Life Of Southwest Indiana Promotes 40 Days For Life

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Right to Life Of Southwest Indiana Promotes 40 Days For Life

SOUTHWEST, IND. (February 6, 2020) – Right to Life of Southwest Indiana (RTLSWIN) is sponsoring the 40 Days for Life Prayer Vigil, an internationally coordinated 40-day campaign that aims to end abortion locally through prayer and fasting, community outreach and a peaceful all-day vigil in front of abortion businesses. The Spring Campaign will commence on February 26 through April 5, 2020, with prayer partners standing and/or walking in front of Planned Parenthood on Weinbach Avenue in Evansville.

“We are blessed in Southwest Indiana that many of our residents support life,” said Mary Ellen Van Dyke, Executive Director of Right to Life of Southwest Indiana.  “Those who support life and participate in these peaceful prayer vigils give voice to those who are voiceless – the preborn.”

The prayer campaigns to end abortion occur twice a year with Southwest Indiana’s Fall Campaign last year being the largest gathering ever with approximately 350 people participating.  To sign up to be a prayer partner for the 40 Days for Life go to the RTLSWIN web site at www.rtlswin.org/40-days-for-life/ or call 812-474-3195.

 

Lt. Gov. Crouch And State Legislators Join OCRA In Honoring Rural Communities

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Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch along with the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs recognized more than 85 individuals and communities who partnered with the agency throughout 2019 to collaboratively shape and execute their vision for local community and economic development opportunities.

“By working together, these communities applied innovative changes to their public buildings, parks, walkways, main streets and economic developments,” Crouch said. “In partnership with the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, local leaders are able to utilize this funding to incorporate the plans to further their economic and community development.”

Crouch said more than $56 million local community dollars were combined with the $35 million OCRA funding to complete quality of place improvements like water system enhancements, building of public facilities, main street revitalization, historic renovation and downtown enhancement.

“Today is a great day to celebrate all the successes, collaborative efforts and planning our Hoosier communities have achieved over the last year,” said Jodi Golden, OCRA Executive Director. “Our office was fortunate to help our rural cities, towns and counties grow and I’m excited to see what the future has in store for all of them as they continue to develop.”

The 2019 awards ceremony marks OCRA’s 14th anniversary since the agency’s creation in 2005. State legislators, mayors, local elected officials, grant administrators, community development organizations, community partners and businesses were present at the awards ceremony and celebration.

Below is the list of awards and for copies of the photos, click here.

Thinking of Committing Tax Fraud? Be Warned, DOR is Ready!

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Thinking of Committing Tax Fraud? Be Warned, DOR is Ready!

DOR’s Identity Theft and Tax Fraud Program ramps up for its seventh year

INDIANAPOLIS – Stopping identity theft and tax fraud isn’t something the Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) takes lightly. In fact, DOR is a national leader in this arena, stopping over $110 million in attempted identity theft and tax refund fraud since 2014.

“Our experienced team of IT and fraud detection specialists improve Indiana’s defenses each year, resulting in fewer fraud attempts,” stated DOR Commissioner Bob Grennes. “Much like a good home security system, we have provided such a strong defense that criminals are realizing they should stop targeting Hoosiers as Indiana is no longer an easy mark.”

To ensure all customers’ IDs and refunds are safe, every tax return is analyzed using a sophisticated set of ID verification and fraud rules. These rules identify and stop attempted fraud before the tax return ever enters the tax processing system.

A major part of DOR’s Identity Theft and Tax Fraud Prevention Program is the identity confirmation quiz. This important step guarantees all returns submitted were completed by the filer listed on the return, and the refund goes to the right destination.

Customers selected for the ID confirmation quiz are sent a letter asking them to complete the quiz online or by calling DOR’s Customer Service team. Starting in 2019, customers can also confirm their identities using a one-time passcode verification from their SMS enabled smartphones, making this process simple and quick.

Customers who receive an ID verification letter are not suspected of identity theft or having their identity stolen. The process is only used for certain returns to ensure their refund is sent to the correct location/individual. By completing the quiz as soon as the letter is received, there should be little to no delay in return processing.

For more information on the Identity Theft and Fraud Prevention Program, visit DOR’s website at dor.in.gov or call the Customer Service team at 317-232-2240, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., EST. You may also visit any DOR’s 12 district office locations.

EPA Announces First WIFIA Annual Report Highlighting $3.5 Billion in Infrastructure Funding

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as part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 50th anniversary celebration, the agency released its first-ever Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program annual report. Through 2019, the WIFIA program has financed more than $3.5 billion in loans, which has saved borrowers $1.2 billion dollars and has helped improve water quality for more than 20 million Americans.

“The WIFIA program’s success is a key component of President Trump’s efforts to modernize our nation’s aging infrastructure, strengthen public health protections, and create jobs,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “I have seen first-hand the impact this program has had on local communities in just a short amount of time. The WIFIA program has proven to be a tremendous tool in achieving environmental protections and fostering economic growth in communities across the country.”

Established by Congress in 2014, the WIFIA program is an EPA federal loan and guarantee program focused on helping meet the growing water infrastructure needs in communities across the country. The program provides long-term, low-cost supplemental credit assistance to creditworthy drinking water and wastewater projects of national and regional significance.

WIFIA loans can finance a wide range of drinking water and wastewater projects, including traditional drinking water and wastewater treatment plants and conveyance systems, water recycling and desalination plants, drought prevention and mitigation projects, stormwater management, green infrastructure, non-point source pollution control and source-water protection. Eligible WIFIA borrowers include local, state, tribal, and federal government entities; partnerships and joint ventures; corporations and trusts; and State Revolving Fund programs.

Through 2019, the WIFIA program has closed 14 loans ranging in size from $20.7 million to $699 million. Together, WIFIA has provided $3.5 billion in loans to help finance more than $8 billion for water infrastructure projects while creating more than 15,000 jobs. Of those projects, 57 percent directly support Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act compliance.

In 2019, EPA invited 38 new projects to apply for WIFIA loans, totaling approximately $6 billion to help finance over $12 billion in water infrastructure investments. These projects will help support key agency priorities, including reducing lead and emergent contaminants and developing water reuse and recycling capacity. Together, the selected projects will improve water quality for 24 million people in 18 states.

Food Inspection Report For Vanderburgh County

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Food Inspection Report For Vanderburgh County

FOOD INSPECTION REPORTS 02-06-2020