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Department Of Child Services Seeks More Money In Next Budget

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Department Of Child Services Seeks More Money In Next Budget

By Eddie Drews
TheStatehouseFile.com

INDIANAPOLIS—The Indiana Department of Child Services is seeking about $300 million more annually in funding in the next state budget, making permanent the infusions of additional cash that lawmakers and Gov. Eric Holcomb gave the troubled agency.

In 2017, the budget appropriated more than $600 million annually for the 2018 and 2019 fiscal years.

But by April of this year, the department had already spent about $284 million that had been appropriated as it struggled with surging numbers of abused and neglected children and not enough family case managers. The state shifted funds to address the shortfall, and the department now wants that built into their base, rather than being a one-time cash infusion.

In all, DCS spent $956.6 million in state funds in the fiscal year 2018. Monday, Leah Raider, chief financial officer for DCS, asked the State Budget Committee for $965.2 million annually in fiscal years 2020 and 2021.

Lawmakers from both parties questioned whether that is enough and whether it accounts for a continued increase in the number of children needing help.

“My concern is that the mode of operation if you will, will stay the same,” said Sen. Liz Brown, R-Fort Wayne.

And Sen. Karen Tallian, D-Portage, who has challenged DCS spending in the past, said more is needed to help at-risk children find foster families.

“Are we doing anything to change, to encourage additional foster parents?” said Tallian. “We have a shortage and they’re not getting enough money.”

DCS Director Terry Stigdon told lawmakers caseloads are now going down as family case managers are now focused on making individual assessments for each child and tailoring services for each, which doesn’t always mean removing a child from their home. She didn’t anticipate the agency will be coming back to lawmakers and the governor again seeking more money.

The department was one of several state agencies that made its budget requests Monday to the State Budget Committee, a joint House and Senate panel of lawmakers who handle fiscal issues. Legislators will craft the next two-year state spending plan in the session that begins Jan. 3.

FOOTNOTES: Eddie Drews is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.

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COMMENTARY: Anti-Semitism And The Left

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Anti-Semitism And The Left

By Richard Moss, MD

Since the tragic killing of 11 elderly Jews at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh the American Jewish left, along with allies in the Democrat party, and the media have been unrelenting in their efforts to pin this on President Donald Trump.  But even a cursory exam of the record will demonstrate that Trump is the most pro-Israel, pro-Jewish president we have ever had.  Given the rhetoric, however, it might be useful to compare the records of Trump, President Barack Hussein Obama, the Democrat Party, and the Jewish left regarding their treatment of the Jewish people and the state of Israel and to determine the true epicenter of anti-Semitism in America and around the world today.    

To begin, Trump has a high-profile Jewish daughter, Ivanka, who converted to Orthodox Judaism. His Jewish son-in-law, Jared Kushner, is a trusted envoy and advisor.  Trump has Jewish grandchildren that he adores.  Jews have been influential consultants and advisors throughout his long career in business and now in his administration.  While the broad American Jewish community did not support Trump in 2016, he was very popular among observant Orthodox Jews and nearly 75% of Israelis approve of Trump.

Acting on his promise, Trump moved the American Embassy to Jerusalem, recognizing it as the eternal capital of the Jewish people.  Obama refused.  

Trump ended the Iran nuclear deal forged by Obama.  This deal paved the way for a nuclear-armed Iran within 10 years, a nation that is pledged to the annihilation of Israel.  Iran is the leading state sponsor of terror and funds terrorist proxies Hamas and Hezbollah, which, like their Iranian patrons, espouse genocidal ambitions towards Israel.  But the Jewish left, the Democratic Party, and the media defended the Iran nuclear deal even as it represented an existential threat to the Jewish state. 

The Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) is a terrorist entity stained with Jewish and American blood.  It pays stipends to families of terrorists responsible for killing Jews and is the most successful Jew-killing operation since World War II.  Trump closed its diplomatic mission in Washington DC.  Obama upgraded it. Obama also increased US funding to the PLO while Trump cut it. 

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) is an anti-Semitic body that supports Hamas and indoctrinates young Palestinians to hate Jews.  Trump stopped funding the organization while Obama expanded it.  Trump pulled the United States out of the anti-Semitic UN Human Rights Council.  Obama joined it.

Obama spent 20 years in the Trinity Church of Jeremiah Wright, an anti-Semite, and bigot.  Wright and Obama were associates of black nationalist, racist, and anti-Semite, Louis Farrakhan, the leader of the nation of Islam, who recently referred to Jews as “termites.” Farrakhan has spoken of his admiration of Hitler for killing millions of Jews (as has Hamas).  

The first two Muslim women elected to Congress, Ilhan Omar, a Somali from Minnesota, and Rashid Tlaib a Palestinian from Michigan, are both Democrats and support the anti-Semitic Boycott Divest and Sanction (BDS) movement, which promotes economic and legal warfare against Israel. 

The deputy chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Keith Ellison, Congressman for Minnesota’s 5th district and Attorney General-elect for Minnesota was a member of the anti-Semitic Nation of Islam and defender of Louis Farrakhan and has himself attacked Israel and the Jews. 

Al Sharpton, a black supremacist, and anti-Semite has referred to Jews as “bloodsucking Jews,” “Jew bastards,” and “white interlopers.”  His demagoguery incited violence, riots, and the murder of a 29-year-old Yeshiva student and two others in the Crown Heights Section of Brooklyn in 1991, referred to as the “Crown Heights Pogrom.”  This pogromist host a news show on MSNBC spoke at the Democratic National Convention and was a frequent guest at Obama’s White House.  

Franklin Foer, Julia Ioffe, Dana Milbank, Roger Cohen, Peter Beinart, and others represent a coterie of powerful left-wing Jewish commentators and columnists who attack Israel routinely and condemn Trump for his defense of Israel.  Some support Hamas and the BDS movement.

George Soros is a wealthy Jewish financier originally from Hungary, a former Nazi collaborator, who dedicates himself to undermining Israel by funding anti-Semitic left-wing Jewish groups (J Street, Jewish Voice for Peace, New Israel Fund, If Not Now, Breaking The Silence, B’Tselem) engaged in anti-Israel projects including on college campuses.  He is a leading contributor to the Democrat Party.

Leftism has infected many non-orthodox synagogues.  Many American Jews derive their values from leftism not from the Jewish Bible although some strain to connect their ideology with Judaism.  In the last year, the leaders of the reform and conservative movements have delivered their flagship institutions into the hands of Jewish anti-Semites. The Reform movement invited novelist Michael Chabon, the outspoken hater of Israel, as their keynote speaker at the Hebrew Union College annual convention.  Conservative movement leadership invited the radical Jewish anti-Zionist group “If Not Now” to train counselors at one of its largest summer camps.

We would be remiss to ignore one of history’s greatest Jewish anti-Semites, cherished by the left even today despite the misery and death his philosophy has spawned: in his anti-Semitic treatise, “On The Jewish Question,” Karl Marx wrote, in 1844, that “Money is the jealous God of Israel” and that “the emancipation of Jews is the emancipation of mankind from Judaism.”

In the wake of the Tree of Life massacre, Trump said, “the scourge of anti-Semitism cannot be ignored, cannot be tolerated and cannot be allowed to continue.”  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that no non-Israeli leader has ever made such a strong commitment to combating Jew-hatred.

So are leftist Jews, the media, the Democrat Party, and other haters of Trump serving American Jews by condemning the most supportive President the state of Israel and the Jewish people have ever had?  Of course not.  Their hateful rhetoric and policies are divisive and expose Jews to increasing levels of anti-Semitism.  They reveal themselves as partisans that will stop at nothing to advance their political interests despite the damage they inflict on the nation, American Jews, and Israel.  Their record demonstrates that the core of anti-Semitism in America and around the world is on the left and in particular amongst high-profile left-wing Jews, in many of our non-orthodox synagogues, college campuses, Hollywood, and the Democrat Party. While anti-Semites exist on the right, Republicans and conservatives reject them unequivocally.  That is not the case for the leftist establishment, which embraces its anti-Semites – to their lasting shame.

FOOTNOTE: Dr. Richard Moss is a board certified head and neck cancer surgeon and was a candidate for Congress in 2016 and 2018. He graduated from the Indiana University School of Medicine and has been in practice in Jasper and Washington, IN for over 20 years. He is married with four children.  

For more information visit richardmossmd.com.  Find Richard Moss, M.D. on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The City-County Observer post this article without opinion, bias or editing.

Parents to State Board of Education: Put Interests of Students First

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Virtual Education Work Group Is Considering Policy Recommendations For Virtual Schools 

The National Coalition for Public School Options (PSO) released the following statement ahead of today’s Indiana State Board of Education Meeting where the full board will vote on policy recommendations made by the Virtual Education Work Group. The Work Group has been meeting over the last year to better understand the state’s virtual charter schools.

PSO president Tillie Elvrum presented recommendations to the Work Group earlier this year on ways to improve the state’s virtual schools while also ensuring they remain accessible to every Indiana students who want to attend school online.

STATEMENT FROM TILLIE ELVRUM, PRESIDENT, NATIONAL COALITION FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL OPTIONS:

“Parents are watching closely today as the Indiana State Board of Education looks to adopt policy recommendations about Indiana’s virtual schools. We urge the board to ensure any new policies adopted guarantee fair and equitable funding for virtual school students, do not limit access to these schools through arbitrary enrollment caps, and provide these schools the autonomy to meet the needs of their students and not force them into one-size-fits-all authorizing. Additionally, we support policies that will help to improve these schools like mandatory on-boarding and accountability systems that focus on individual students. Every Indiana family deserves access to a full menu of school choice options, including virtual education.”

HOT JOBS IN EVANSVILLE

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Courier/Delivery Driver, 6:00am-10:00am $17.10 Hr.
FedEx Express 4/5 rating   1,922 reviews  – Evansville, IN
$17.10 an hour
The provisions of this article shall apply to any application by any person for a license or employment at any public or private employer, who has previously…
Dec 7
Handler/Warehouse, 7am-9am & 4pm-8pm Split Shift $13.00 Hr.
FedEx Express 4/5 rating   1,922 reviews  – Evansville, IN
$13 an hour
The provisions of this article shall apply to any application by any person for a license or employment at any public or private employer, who has previously…
Dec 7
Front Desk Representative – Physician Office
Ascension Healthcare 3.5/5 rating   722 reviews  – Evansville, IN
As a Front Desk Representative with St.Vincent, you will have the opportunity to work in a customer service capacity providing administrative and clerical…
Dec 7
Delivery Driver
Fedex 3.9/5 rating   18,385 reviews  – Evansville, IN
$700 – $825 a week
Driver’s License (Required). Previous experience driving a commercial vehicle is great but not mandatory. This is a Fedex delivery driver position….
Easily apply
Dec 3
Part-time Office Assistant
United Neighborhoods of Evansville – Evansville, IN
/as an office assistant, bookkeeper or related field:. United Neighborhoods of Evansville (UNOE) is looking for a part-time Office Assistant to be responsible…
Easily apply
Dec 3
DVNA DSS/Supplemental Receptionist
Deaconess Health System 3.6/5 rating   50 reviews  – Evansville, IN
Answers incoming phone calls for Deaconess VNA and transfer callers to the appropriate person or department. Interacts with families and visitors at the Linda E…
Dec 6
Funeral Services Assistant
Service Corporation International 3.2/5 rating   664 reviews  – Evansville, IN
Directs calls to appropriate team members. SCI is certified as a Great Place to Work ® by the Great Place to Work Institute….
Dec 3
Development Associate
Tri-State Food Bank, Inc. – Evansville, IN
$25,000 – $35,000 a year
Assist with developing and maintaining positive relations with donors and the general public through written correspondence, press releases, and social media….
Easily apply
Dec 7
Certified Payroll Assistant
Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation 3.8/5 rating   42 reviews  – Evansville, IN
$16.46 an hour
This position will automatically be enrolled in the Public Employees’ Retirement Fund (PERF) through the state of Indiana, which includes a defined benefit …
Dec 4
Production Planner/Scheduler
RC Beverage – Evansville, IN
$55,000 – $58,000 a year
This job description does not state or imply that these essential functions are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position….
Easily apply
Dec 5
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Weddle Bros. Construction Companies – Evansville, IN
Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, scheduling, filing and phone etiquette are a must. WB•Koester Construction, a heavy/civil excavation construction…
Dec 8
Assessment Interviewer – Evansville
Knowledge Services 3.3/5 rating   90 reviews  – Evansville, IN
$40 a day
Conduct interviews in a professional, courteous, and timely manner. Knowledge Services’ Corporate Headquarters is currently seeking a contract, full-time …
Dec 7

ADOPT A PET

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Remmie is a 14-year-old male Beagle. He is super cute and will “sit pretty” for treats. His owner surrendered him because they were moving. He’s already neutered and ready to go home today for $130, which also includes his vaccinations and microchip. Contact Vanderburgh Humane at (812) 426-2563 for adoption details!

Rep. Messer Issues Statement on Richmond Active Shooter Incident

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U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) issued the following statement today regarding the active shooter incident at Dennis Intermediate School in Richmond:

“While we are still learning details, I want to thank the school faculty, law enforcement and first responders who rushed to the scene this morning and helped protect our students. Our prayers are with the students, their families and the entire Richmond community.”

Chicago

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Chicago is an American rock band formed in 1967 in Chicago, IL and now in their 51st consecutive year of touring! They have recorded 36 albums and sold over 100,000,000 records. See the legendary band Chicago at the Aiken Theatre on May 7. Tickets are $126, $90.50, $70.50 and $46 and go on-sale November 9 at 10am.

Purchase tickets online at ticketmaster,com,
1-800-745-3000 or at our Box Office.

Perry Heights to Host Guest Speaker from Kenya

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Guest Speaker from Kenya to Visit Perry Heights
Friday, December 14
8:50 – 9:30 a.m. 
Perry Heights Middle School, 5800 Hogue Rd. 
Students at Perry Heights Middle School will learn about the cultural heritage and natural attractions of Kenya from Kenyan native Patrick Odoyo.
Odoyo taught in the EVSC for multiple years and during his time in the states, has remained closely connected to his home country. Odoyo also has been an advocate for the Dago Dala Hear orphanage in Kenya. In addition to sharing interesting facts about the country, Odoyo also will share ways students can help the orphanage during his visit to Perry Heights

Author, scholar, activist Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor to keynote 2019 Mandela Day

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Dr. Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, author and assistant professor of African American Studies at Princeton University, will present the keynote address for the 2019 University of Southern Indiana Nelson Mandela Social Justice Day at 6 p.m. Tuesday, February 26 in the USI Performance Center. The presentation will be free and open to the public.

Taylor is a widely sought after public speaker and writer. In 2016, she was named one of the 100 most influential African Americans in the United States by The Root. She has been appointed as a Distinguished Lecturer for the Organization of American Historians for 2018-19, and the Charles H. McIlwain University Preceptor at Princeton University for 2018-21. Her writing has been published in the New York Times; the Los Angeles Times; Boston Review; Paris Review; Guardian; The Nation; Souls: A Critical Journal of Black Politics, Culture and Society; Jacobin and beyond.

Taylor’s research focuses on race and public policy, including American housing policies. She is the author of From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation, which won the Lannan Cultural Freedom Award for an Especially Notable Book in 2016. She is also the editor of How We Get Free: Black Feminism and the Combahee River Collective, which won the Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ nonfiction in 2018. Her third book, Race for Profit: Black Housing and the Urban Crisis of the 1970s, is forthcoming from University of North Carolina Press. Taylor holds a doctoral degree in African American Studies from Northwestern University.

The keynote address is the culmination of a full day of activities meant to raise dialogue at USI around current issues of human and civil rights, public service, and activism. All events are open to the public as space is available. A full list of activities will be published on the USI website at USI.edu/liberal-arts/special-programs/mandela-social-justice-day/ when finalized. Previous Mandela Day keynote speakers include Tia Oso, Dr. Cornel West (who also serves as a professor emeritus at Princeton University), and Tim Wise.

This event is sponsored by the Mandela Social Justice Committee, the USI Office of the Provost, the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Nursing and Health Professions, the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education, Gender Studies, the Multicultural Center, the Counseling Center, the Office of Housing and Residence Life, the Evansville Public Library, and the Evansville African American Museum. For more information, go to USI.edu/liberal-arts/special-programs/mandela-social-justice-day/ or contact Dr. Sakina Hughes, assistant professor of history and chair of the Mandela Social Justice Committee, at shughes1@usi.edu.