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Indiana Poised For Modest Revenue Gains
Indiana Poised For Modest Revenue Gains
Staff Report
TheStatehouseFile.com
INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana can expect to bring in about $250 million more over the next two years than was anticipated, according to a revenue forecast given Friday to lawmakers and state budget officials.
The bipartisan Revenue Forecast Technical Committee told state officials that based on the current outlook for Indiana and the nation, they can expect money coming into the state to beat both last year’s revenue stream and the forecast presented to lawmakers in April. The forecast projects the state will take in about $16.8 billion in the 2020 fiscal year and about $17.2 billion in fiscal 2021. That’s $124 million more than expected for 2020 in last December’s revenue forecast, and $135 million more than expected for 2021.
While millions more seem great, that’s less than 1 percent growth each year. from what had been expected when the current budget was passed. And House Ways and Means Chairman Tim Brown, R-Crawfordsville, noting the plunge in revenues that took place in the steep recession that started in 2008, seemed to warn any legislators seeking to tap into the state’s $2.5 billion in reserves by noting that the margin of error on forecasts is about 2 percent.
Tom Jackson, a fiscal analyst with the national firm IHS Markit whose data helps form the revenue forecast, told the budget committee that fears of another recession have eased since last spring, with the nation’s gross domestic product averaging about 2 percent and consumer spending and confidence “certainly solid.†Low unemployment has continued with wages gradually improving, he noted.
He said some clouds remain, including ongoing trade negotiations with China that have so far not been resolved and tariffs that have been imposed or proposed. But some economic speed bumps, such as the six weeks long General Motors strike that had an impact in manufacturing-heavy Indiana, have been resolved, he said.
In Indiana, he said, “wage income we see holding fairly steady. As we get into ’21 and ’22 we expect to see the improvement in wage rates to kind of outweigh slower gains in payroll employment headcount. The main story there is just a solid underlying economy.â€
The “bottom line for Indiana,†Jackson said, is steady economic growth with “probably not a lot of upside potential from where we are or what we’re seeing.â€
While there is employment growth foreseen in health care and tech sectors, “manufacturing employment we see turning modestly — and I do emphasize modestly — negative over the next few years,†he said.
In addition to general economic trends, one contributing factor to Indiana’s revenue growth is gambling. In the 2019 legislative session, lawmakers allowed table games at racinos and legalized mobile sports betting, with gaming revenues, after having slumped in past years, now expected to continue growing as much as 8 percent in 2021 over what was expected in April.
Michael J. Hicks, director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at Ball State University, watched Friday’s meeting and said it reflected the projections made by both Ball State and Indiana University for 2020. Those include growth of less than 2 percent “with modest declines in factory employment and related sectors,†Hicks said.
And while no national recession is foreseen at this point, Hicks said Hoosiers can expect “a year of very tepid economic growth.â€
“There were some bright spots,†he said, including personal income in Indiana rising.
“One reason for that is a shift of employment away from lower-wage sectors. This is a new phenomenon in Indiana since most of the post-recession employment growth has been concentrated in low wage sectors,†Hicks said. “Hopefully, this trend will be sustained.â€
But, he added, there are long-term clouds for Indiana.
“Educational attainment is too low in Indiana and improving far too slowly. We cannot keep sufficient college graduates in our state and we must look to improve these factors and education as sources of long-term economic growth,†Hicks said.
On Friday, though, lawmakers were more focused on the short term. Despite pressure from teachers and Democrats to re-open the budget in the short legislative session that starts in January, in order to improve teacher pay, recruitment, and retention, Republicans who hold supermajorities in the legislature have shown no willingness to do so. And while Republicans have made verbal commitments to address teacher concerns, they also have resisted dipping into the state’s surplus.
State Sen. Ryan Mishler, the Bremen Republican who is chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said in a statement after Friday’s meeting that the “revenue forecast is promising†as the state is projected to bring in a tad more than expected.
“This means that our state will be on firm financial footing as we look to the 2021 budget session, provided the economy continues to grow as forecast. Conversely, in the event of an economic downturn, it means we will be able to maintain the strong reserves we need to guard our state against cuts to critical government services like K-12 education and public safety.â€
FOOTNOTE: TheStatehouseFile.com is a news website powered by Franklin College journalists.
EPA Releases PFAS Groundwater Guidance for Federal Cleanup Programs
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued Interim Recommendations for Addressing Groundwater Contaminated with Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) under federal cleanup programs, a priority action under EPA’s PFAS Action Plan. Aggressively addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is an active and ongoing effort for the agency.
“Today, we are delivering on one of our most important commitments under the PFAS Action Plan,†said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “The interim recommendations will provide clear and consistent guidance for federal cleanup programs and will help protect drinking water resources in communities across the country. This is a critical tool for our state, tribal, and local partners to use to protect public health and address these chemicals.â€
“We welcome the EPA’s release of the Interim Recommendations for Addressing Groundwater Contaminated with PFOA/PFAS under federal cleanup programs,†said the Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials (ASTSWMO). “Our members are working every day to address this important issue across the country and we look forward to reviewing the just released document, which we hope provides clear and consistent guidance on this evolving national issue.â€
Federal agencies and states have asked EPA to provide guidance on this issue, and EPA is following through on its commitment. After reviewing public comments on the agency’s April 2019 draft guidance, EPA is finalizing these interim recommendations based on the available data and scientific information on PFAS toxicity. EPA acknowledges that the scientific information on these compounds continues to evolve. As part of the PFAS Action Plan, EPA is continuing to develop and assess toxicity information, test methods, laboratory methods, analytical methods, exposure models, and treatment methods, among other research efforts to improve our knowledge about this class of chemicals. As new information becomes available on other PFAS chemicals, the agency will consider additional recommendations as the agency advances its knowledge of these other substances.
Today’s Action
With these interim recommendations, EPA is prioritizing public health impacts by focusing on addressing groundwater that is a current or potential source of drinking water. The guidance recommends:
- Using a screening level of 40 parts per trillion (ppt) to determine if PFOA and/or PFOS is present at a site and may warrant further attention.
- Screening levels are risk-based values that are used to determine if levels of contamination may warrant further investigation at a site.
- Using EPA’s PFOA and PFOS Lifetime Drinking Water Health Advisory level of 70 ppt as the preliminary remediation goal (PRG) for contaminated groundwater that is a current or potential source of drinking water, where no state or tribal MCL or other applicable or relevant and appropriate requirements (ARARs) are available or sufficiently protective.
- PRGs are generally initial targets for cleanup, which may be adjusted on a site-specific basis as more information becomes available.
Arts Commission Now Accepting Applications For Community Services Programs
Arts Commission Now Accepting Applications For Community Services Programs
The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) announces the opening of applications for three Community Services programs: Arts Project Support, Arts Organization Support I, and Creative Community Pathways.
Arts Project Support
Arts Project Support grants provide funding to nonprofit organizations to support a specific part of the organization’s art activities, such as a one-time event; a single production; an exhibition; an educational workshop; or a series of related arts activities such as art classes or training sessions. Arts Project Support grants are administered by the IAC’s Regional Arts Partners.
- Application deadline: March 5, 2020
- Guidelines
- Apply online through the Indiana Art Commission’s application portal
Arts Organization Support I
Arts Organization Support grants provide annual operating support for the ongoing artistic and administrative functions of eligible arts organizations that align with the Indiana Arts Commission’s Public Funding Imperatives. The grant amount is based on the average of the applicant’s last three years of total cash income, panel’s ratings, number of eligible applicants, and the dollars available. Arts Organization Support I grants are administered by the IAC’s Regional Arts Partners.
- Organizations new to this grant need to submit a Letter of Intent by January 15, 2020
- Application deadline: March 5, 2020
- Guidelines
- Apply online through the Indiana Art Commission’s application portal
Creative Community Pathway
The IAC’s Creative Community Pathway is a roadmap for any Indiana community to start, focus, or deepen arts and culture-based strategies to grow community wellbeing. As a capacity-building program, the Pathway aligns local creative assets – artists, arts and culture strategies, partners and resources – to support a community’s unique goals and dreams. Simultaneously, it organizes a sustainable, healthy creative ecosystem for artists and cultural organizations.
The Creative Community Pathway organizes community efforts using best practices and provides resources. The Pathway also directly prepares communities who wish to pursue the Indiana Cultural District designation and Spotlight Community recognition. Communities interested in pursuing special designation through the program need to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) by February 27, 2020.
- Letter of intent deadline: February 27, 2020
- Detailed information here
- Compete the LOI online through the Indiana Art Commission’s application portal
HAMRICK TOWING EXPANDING AND HAS SEVERAL JOB OPENINGS
HAMRICK TOWING EXPANDING AND HAS SEVERAL JOB OPENINGS
Hamrick Towing is expanding and has immediate openings for several positions.
According to the firms President John Hamrick said “there are several full-time positions that he needs to fill right away.
Mr. Hamrick also stated that these positions offer paid vacations and holidays. Performance bonuses are offered to those who excel in the workplace. Â Also, the hourly pay is very competitive. An Equal Opportunity employer.
The Following List Of Full-Time Positions Are Posted Below:
1) Five (5) Tow Truck drivers
2) Paint and Bodyman
3) Welder
4) Dispatcher
5) Diesel Mechanic
Finally, Mr. Hamrick said; “that the workplace environment is employee-friendly with a downhome attitude.”
Interested applicants need to immediately apply in person at Hamrick Towing located at 1277 Maxwell Avenue from thee hours 10;00 to noon Monday through Friday. No phone calls, please.
ARTability Raises $40,000 For Opportunity Enterprises
Hundreds of guests attended Opportunity Enterprises’ ARTability Art Show and Sale in the Valparaiso University Christopher Center Community Room, the 13th annual event that benefits artists with disabilities.
ARTability featured an auction with 80 pieces of canvas as well as a variety of ceramics and art prints, which were available for direct purchase. Over the past year, artists with disabilities created the pieces with the assistance of skilled instructors through the Artistic Visions program at OE.
Two awards were presented to the artists at the event: The Judges’ Choice award and the People’s Choice award. The Judge’s Choice award was presented by Urschel Giving, selected by an expert panel of judges including Donna Catalano, Jane Lohmeyer, and Aimee Tomasek; and was awarded to Kenny C. for his piece, “Reflections.†The People’s Choice award, where guests at the event were able to vote for their favorite piece, was presented by M. E. Simpson Co., Inc; and was awarded to Matt D. for his piece, “Frog Rock.â€
The Instructors’ Choice award, presented by The Times Media Co., selected by the art instructors including Benjamin Dunn, Keith Goddard, Cathy Jasinski, and Alex Kozlowski; was awarded to Whitney W. for her piece, “Cat Flower Party†which was also on display at the event.
Image courtesy of NEA Military Healing Arts Network
NEA Expands Creative Forces Healing Arts Network
Story by National Endowment for the Arts
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Rural Health (ORH) are announcing plans to expand the telehealth component of Creative Forces®: NEA Military Healing Arts Network to additional Veterans Affairs medical facilities.
Creative Forces is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the U.S. Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs as well as state and local arts agencies to provide access to creative arts therapies—art, music, and dance/movement therapies, as well as creative writing instruction—for service members and veterans suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Through telehealth, creative arts therapists connect with patients in rural and remote places via video conferencing platforms. Read the full story.
Rendering of the Ohki Alley project
Ohki Alley crowdfunding project to transform alleyway
The Whitley County Economic Development Corporation and the City of Columbia City present the Ohki Alley project, which will make the alleyway located between 116 and 118 W Van Buren Street a more vibrant public space for the community to enjoy. This public alleyway will close to traffic and create walkable and usable space to connect downtown Columbia City to Parking. With the addition of this Public Alley Space, community organizations will have access to create and improve on events such as Art in the Alley, First Fridays, outdoor music, beer garden and much more. The campaign will only collect funds if it reaches its goal by December 28, 2019.
Photo courtesy of the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
TIME for Kids names Indianapolis Children’s Museum one of the World’s 50 Coolest Places
Courtesy of Rebecca Katzman, TIME for Kids
There are many children’s museums, but none are quite as amazing—or as expansive—as the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. After all, it’s the largest children’s museum in the world. Here, kids can learn about dinosaurs, ancient Greece, outer-space artifacts, and much more. In 2018, the museum opened the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience. It’s a 7.5-acre space where kids can play while learning about the history and culture of sports. Experts are on hand to coach young athletes. They can help them use their newfound skills in football, basketball, hockey, golf, car racing, and other sports. Kids can also sculpt their own sports figures or record a TV-ready sports broadcast.
Cool opportunities you should know about
A little bit of this. A little bit of that. A whole lotta good.
- Arts Project Support (grant)
- Arts Organization Support grant (grant)
- Creative Community Pathway (community development tool)
- Playwright Discovery Award Program 6-12Â (award)
- Innovative Assistive Technology Full Day Training (learning)
- Boone County Grant Writing Workshop (learning)
- 2020 VSA Session Proposals (conference)
Interested in the Indiana Cultural District designation program?
That program is opening back up in 2020 and the Creative Community Pathway is how you get there. Click here to learn more.
Know an artist?
Tell them about On-Ramp and the Individual Advancement Program.
HAPPENINGS AT THE VANDERBURGH COUNTY GOP
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oliday season.
Yesteryear: Division and Main Streets
Division and Main Streets
by Pat Sides
In this 1982 photo, the old railroad tracks that once stretched down the center of Division Street are still intact. The intersection of Division and Main streets was one of the busiest in the city; regarded as the “gateway to the north,†the historic Jacobsville neighborhood begins in this block north of Division Street, terminating at Bosse Field.
As plans for a new east-west expressway progressed, familiar landmarks began to disappear along Division. The prominent two-story brick structure sitting at an angle in the center of the photo had stood since the 1890s. Originally built by North Side businessman Newton Kelsay, the firm manufactured harness parts for horse-drawn buggies and other products until it was sold in 1957.Â
Along with all the other commercial buildings pictured here, it fell victim to the wrecking ball in the late 1980s. A fast food restaurant now occupies the site where most of these buildings stood.
Price named GLVC Player of the Week
University of Southern Indiana junior forward Josh Price was named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Week after averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game in the Screaming Eagles’ weekend sweep of King University and Tiffin University in the Bill Joergens Memorial Classic. The award is the first of Price’s career and the second-straight by the Eagles.
Price started the weekend by coming off the bench to post his first double-double with a team-high 23 points and 10 rebounds in USI’s 87-68 victory over King University. He was 10-of-15 from the field and three-of-six from the stripe, while recording an assist, a steal, and two blocks.
The Indianapolis, Indiana, junior forward completed the weekend by depositing 16 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in the 105-89 victory over Tiffin. Price was six-of-11 from the field and four-of-six from the line, in addition to dishing two assists.
The 16th-ranked Eagles and Price resume the 2019-20 regular season and GLVC action January 2 when they host Drury University for a 7:30 p.m. game at the Screaming Eagles Arena.
USI announces the 2020 Hall of Fame Class
University of Southern Indiana Athletics is pleased to announce the selection of the 2020 USI Athletic Hall of Fame class that will be inducted during homecoming week in February. The class of six individuals and one team was selected by a nine-member USI Athletic Hall of Fame Committee.
Any Screaming Eagles fan was eligible to nominate student athletes or teams on the 10th anniversary of their last season of competition, or a coach/administrator who has been separated from the USI Athletics for two years. Special individuals (e.g., Varsity Club members) also were eligible for nominations as well.
This year’s class includes Matt Blauvelt ’91 (Men’s Soccer, 1988-90); Emily Blinzinger Parke ’03 (Women’s Tennis, 1999-2003); Dean Doughty ’95 (Men’s Soccer, 1990-92); Dave McAtee ’88 (Men’s Golf, 1984-88); Ashley Rees ’06 (Women’s Tennis, 2002-06); Allie Shafer-Krieger ’09 M’12 (Women’s Cross Country & Track, 2005-09); and the 2007 Baseball Team.
“I continue to be amazed by the amount of outstanding student-athletes and teams this University has had,” said USI Director of Athletics Jon Mark Hall. “The Class of 2020 truly represents our growing tradition here at USI. The six individuals and one team that will be honored in February are truly worthy of this extraordinary honor. I know that the entire USI community is proud of this class and what it accomplished while at USI.”
In addition to the induction of the Hall of Fame Class of 2019, USI is inducting Ray Wright and Elmer Sanders into the Athletic Hall of Distinction for contributions to the success of the University’s varsity programs.
Reservations for the February 21 induction ceremony must be made in advance and can be made by calling (812) 464-1846 or emailing Holly Delph at hdelph@usi.edu.
2020Â USI ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME CLASS
Matt Blauvelt ’91 (Men’s Soccer, 1988-90):Â Blauvelt, an All-GLVC performer, holds the season and career records for shutouts and goals against average since 1990Â and is tied for the single-game record with 15 saves. He also was the goalkeeper for three-straight GLVC championship seasons.
Emily Blinzinger Parke ’03 (Women’s Tennis, 1999-2003): Blinzinger was a four-time All-GLVC and Academic All-GLVC selection, who also was the GLVC Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2001 and 2002. A Member of the 2002-03 team that advanced to the NCAA II Regional, she holds the USI records for career singles wins and combined singles/doubles wins and single season record for singles and combined wins.
Dean Doughty ’95 (Men’s Soccer, 1990-92): Doughty was a three-time team Most Valuable Player on USI squads that won back-to-back GLVC titles and made the move to NCAA Division I in 1992. He also was All-Region and All-GLVC in 1991.
Dave McAtee ’88 (Men’s Golf, 1984-88): McAtee is a member of the only USI golf team to win the GLVC Conference championship (1984). He also was the GLVC Conference Medalist in 1985; two-time All-GLVC award winner (1985, 1986); All-District IV (1986); finished top 30 in the NCAA II in 1986; and is the first and only individual to compete for USI in the NCAA II National Finals. After college, McAtee has played in two USGA National Championships and three State Amateur Championships.
Ashley Rees ’06 (Women’s Tennis, 2002-06): Rees was a member of the 2002-03 and 2004-05 NCAA II Tournament teams, while earning All-GLVC and Academic All-GLVC honors during her four seasons. She also was the GLVC Freshman of the Year?in 2002 and the?GLVC Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2004. Rees holds the career record for doubles wins, while ranking second in singles victories and combined wins. She also is second all-time in singles wins in a season and tied for second in doubles victories in a single year.
Allie Shafer-Krieger ’09 M’12 (Women’s Cross Country & Track, 2005-09): Shafer-Krieger was one of the most decorated runners during her tenure with the women’s programs. She is a three-time All-American (cross country 2006, indoor 5k in 2007, outdoor 10k in 2007) in addition to being a three-time GLVC champion (2006 cross country, 2007 3K indoor, and 5k outdoor. Shafer-Krieger also was named All-GLVC four times in cross country, twice in indoor track, and twice in outdoor track. She also was named GLVC Scholar Athlete of the Year for cross country in 2006 and track & field in 2007.
2007Â USI Baseball Team:Â The first USI baseball team to win the Midwest Regional (undefeated) and advanced to the NCAA II Championship Series, tying for fifth. The 2007 Eagles also set a program record for wins in a season (43).