Home Blog Page 477

INDIANA ATTORNEY GENERAL CANDIDATE DESTINY WELLS ANNOUNCES PLATFORM

0

INDIANA ATTORNEY GENERAL CANDIDATE DESTINY WELLS ANNOUNCES PLATFORM 

INDIANAPOLIS—Indiana’s Democratic Attorney General candidate Destiny Wells provided the following platform information for her race to unseat Todd Rokita, a wildly unpopular and divisive Attorney General who has brought nothing but public embarrassment upon Indiana. Here are the policy points on which Destiny will focus:

Workers’ Rights

Wells will immediately assemble a team to support workers’ rights: Since the passage of the Right to Work (HEA 1001-2011) in Indiana, no Attorney General has provided meaningful support or protections to Indiana workers. Wells willcreate a team to investigate instances of worker abuse. With Destiny at the helm, the Office of the Attorney General will ensure employers treat workers with dignity and respect— preventing wage theft, labor trafficking, and the misclassification of employees. Just this week we saw an Indianapolis business under investigation by the Department of Labor due to improper pay practices. Indiana can and must do more to protect Hoosier workers and its consumer and worker protections must be improved. Wells will look to legislative leaders on both sides of the aisle to further protect Hoosiers

Medical Privacy

It’s no secret Todd Rokita is constantly meddling in the private medical records of Hoosiers. His pursuit of unredacted Terminated Pregnancy Reports unfortunately exposes all Hoosiers seeking medical care—if he pursues this end, there is nothing stopping communities seeking gender-affirming care and others. This activity has a chilling effect on Hoosiers seeking care and continues to cause healthcare providers to leave Indiana. Hoosiers have already begun to flee because they feel threatened and, most importantly, Hoosier healthcare providers won’t be able to morally and ethically care for their patients. Destiny will seek to protect Hoosiers by staying out of Hoosiers’ business and staying out of their bedrooms.

Children’s Bill of Rights

Destiny will educate the public and contribute resources to local prosecutors with a Children’s Bill of Rights. Destiny’s first experience practicing law was when she put a shingle out in her hometown of Martinsville. There, she immediately witnessed the underbelly of her Hoosier community when she encountered abused and neglected children who were irretrievably left behind because parents/guardians chose to take advantage of Indiana’s compulsory education laws to hide their abuse. Destiny saw many children entering adulthood without the essential tools to succeed, with many children requiring permanent state assistance. This effort will help the most vulnerable while upholding our liberty as parents to educate our children as we see fit.

Restoring Integrity to the AG’s office

The Office of the Attorney General has suffered a talent exodus because line attorneys and staff can no longer tolerate the office culture that comes with an Attorney General intent on conservative television appearances. If you walk into the Attorney General’s office in a Wells Administration, Hoosiers won’t be able to tell whether a Democrat or Republican leads the office. Instead, Hoosiers will see exceptional attorneys and support staff passionately representing Hoosiers. Destiny will glean from the core values of her time in the military and foster a culture that values professional growth and excellence.

“Fighting for Hoosier workers and Hoosier’s medical privacy are my top priorities as Attorney General,” stated Destiny Wells. “If Todd Rokita isn’t going to fight for Hoosiers’ rights and freedoms, I will.”

Honest Abe Auto Sales fails to live up to their name

0

Honest Abe Auto Sales fails to live up to their name,
Attorney General Todd Rokita recovers almost half
a million dollars against Indy car dealer 

Bait–and–switch sales tactics, falsely advertised prices and preying on Hoosiers with subprime credit — those are the alleged misdeeds of a string of four Indianapolis used-car stores that might rank among the area’s most notoriously misnamed business enterprises. And now, after a settlement with Attorney General Todd Rokita, the business will be forced to pay back almost half a million dollars to deceived consumers.

The stores operate under the name “Honest Abe Auto Sales,” but according to a lawsuit and settlement filed by Attorney General Rokita, they have harmed Hoosier car-buyers by engaging in dishonest and deceitful conduct.

Honest Abe Auto Sales advertised specific prices on vehicles, but when consumers with subprime credit attempted to buy the vehicles, Honest Abe raised the prices by thousands of dollars. Honest Abe then failed to disclose the price increase as a cost of credit. Over 250 consumers were affected.

“We won’t tolerate businesses breaking the law and duping Hoosiers into paying higher prices than advertised,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Regardless of their credit scores, consumers should never encounter bait-and-switch tactics in which prices change the second customers arrive in person.”

Under the terms of the settlement, Honest Abe Auto Sales will pay restitution to affected consumers in the total amount of $470,646. Honest Abe Auto Sales is also enjoined from engaging in similar deceptive conduct in future advertising and sales. 

“Here we have a business that allegedly hid extra finance fees, staggering service charges, document costs and outright price markups,” Attorney General Rokita added. “The fact they call themselves ‘Honest Abe’ just makes the facts of this case especially rich.”

The defendant, Sycamore Companies LLC, operates stores at the following addresses: 4401 North Keystone Avenue; 5520 West Washington Street; 3201 West 16th Street; and 5422 Madison Avenue.

The consent judgment is attached.

Mutts At Myriad: Woofstock!

0

Newburgh, Indiana – Mutts At Myriad, the beloved collaborative community event by the Warrick Humane Society and Myriad Brewing Co. is hosting Woofstock this year! This event will benefit the Warrick Humane Society and our Building Hope project. It will be taking place at Myriad Brewing Co. Newburgh, this Sunday, July 21st from 12pm-5pm!

Event Highlights: 

  • Donation for Entry: Entrance into this event will be any monetary donation for our New Shelter!

●     Benefit Concert: Our first Benefit Concert featuring The Honey Vines from 1pm-3pm and Between The Frets from 3pm-5pm.

  • Building Hope Information Station: Learn about our cause, our Building Hope Project, and how you can help!
  • Puppy Snuggles: Cuddle with puppies for a donation!
  • WHS Pop-Up Shop: Explore our collection of goodies for sale, all in support of the Warrick Humane Society!
  • Yummy Food: Lashbrooke’s BBQ will be serving on site while supplies last, starting at 

Evansville Land Bank Corporation Meeting

0

 

Evansville Land Bank Corporation

Agenda

Meeting 9:30 a.m.

July 19, 2024

Civic Center – Room 301

I. Call to Order

II. Approval of Minutes of 6/21/24 Meeting

III. Financial Information

A. June 2024 Financial Statements

IV. Old Business

A. Tabled App – 1320, 1322, 1324 N Fifth Ave – garden

B. Tabled App – 2775, 2777, 2779, 2783 Broadway Ave – container home

C. 106 Jefferson Ave – approval of exterior elevation and Development

Agreement

V. New Business

A. Pest Control Services at Land Bank Office

B. Tree Trimming/Removal Services – 2817 Egmont St

C. Trash Services at Land Bank Office

D. Other New Business

VI. Adjournment

 

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

0
EPD

 

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

 

FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.

Vanderburgh County Arrest Warrants

0

Vanderburgh County Arrest Warrants

Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

0

Booked Last 24 Hours-Public

FEATURE: Why Affordable Housing Is So Expensive And How To Solve This Problem

0
joe wallace
joe wallace

Why Affordable Housing is so Expensive and How to Solve this Problem

submitted by JOE WALLACE To CCO
July 17, 2024
Reducing the construction cost of affordable housing is a critical issue facing many communities today. As the price to build new affordable housing soars to around $1,000 per square foot, more than double that of luxury housing, the need for innovative, cost-effective solutions becomes paramount. Modular homes offer a promising alternative with costs closer to $100 per square foot. However, government-backed projects often mandate paying “prevailing wages” and sourcing from approved providers, significantly inflating costs. Understanding why this happens and exploring ways to mitigate these expenses can help address the affordable housing crisis more effectively.

The Prevailing Wage Mandate

Prevailing wage laws, established to ensure fair compensation for laborers, require that workers on government-funded projects be paid wages comparable to those earned on similar projects in the same area. While this aims to protect workers from exploitation and ensure quality craftsmanship, it also drives up construction costs. Prevailing wages often exceed market rates, particularly in regions with strong labor unions, resulting in higher overall expenses for affordable housing projects.

Approved Providers and Procurement Regulations

Government-backed projects must adhere to strict procurement regulations, which include purchasing materials and services from approved providers. This ensures compliance with safety, quality, and ethical standards but often limits competition and drives up prices. Smaller or newer companies that may offer lower prices are frequently excluded from these lists, reducing the potential for cost savings.

Bureaucracy and Administrative Overhead

The administrative processes involved in government-funded projects can be lengthy and complex. Extensive paperwork, regulatory compliance, and oversight procedures add layers of bureaucracy that slow down projects and increase costs. Delays in approvals, inspections, and payments can lead to higher expenses for contractors, who often pass these costs onto the final project budget.

Modular Homes as a Cost-Effective Solution

Modular homes present a viable alternative to traditional construction methods. These homes are built off-site in controlled environments, reducing labor costs and minimizing material waste. The economies of scale achieved through mass production can significantly lower per-unit costs. Additionally, modular homes can be assembled quickly, reducing construction time and related expenses.

Policy Reforms and Recommendations

To reduce the construction cost of affordable housing, several policy reforms and strategic approaches can be considered:

  1. Revisiting Prevailing Wage Laws: While maintaining fair labor practices is crucial, revisiting prevailing wage laws to ensure they reflect current market conditions can help reduce costs. Introducing flexibility in wage determinations based on project size or location could make affordable housing projects more financially viable.
  2. Expanding Approved Provider Lists: Broadening the criteria for approved providers to include smaller and more innovative companies can foster competition and drive down prices. Implementing a rigorous but streamlined vetting process can ensure quality and compliance without unnecessarily restricting market access.
  3. Streamlining Bureaucratic Processes: Reducing administrative overhead by streamlining approval processes, simplifying compliance requirements, and improving interagency coordination can lower costs. Adopting digital tools and technologies to manage paperwork and inspections can expedite project timelines and reduce expenses.
  4. Promoting Modular Construction: Governments can incentivize the use of modular construction through grants, tax breaks, and technical assistance. Supporting research and development in modular housing technologies can further enhance their affordability and appeal.
  5. Public-Private Partnerships: Encouraging collaborations between public agencies and private developers can leverage the strengths of both sectors. Private developers often bring efficiency and innovation, while public agencies provide funding and regulatory support. These partnerships can result in more cost-effective and timely completion of affordable housing projects.
  6. Community Involvement and Local Solutions: Engaging local communities in the planning and development process can uncover unique solutions tailored to specific needs and conditions. Community land trusts, cooperative housing models, and local investment initiatives can supplement traditional funding sources and reduce reliance on costly government mandates.

Conclusion

The high cost of constructing affordable housing is a multifaceted issue influenced by prevailing wage laws, procurement regulations, bureaucratic processes, and market dynamics. Addressing these challenges requires a combination of policy reforms, strategic approaches, and innovative solutions like modular homes. By promoting efficiency, competition, and community involvement, governments can reduce wasteful spending and better allocate tax dollars to meet the pressing need for affordable housing. Ensuring that every dollar spent maximizes value and impact is crucial for creating

E-REP Statement of Activities, 1st Quarter 2024

0

E-REP Statement of Activities, 1st Quarter (JAN.-MAR.) 2024

July 17, 2024

Business Retention & Expansion:

  • Number of businesses visited: 14.
  • Types of businesses visited: Manufacturing (7), Distribution/Logistics (4), Technology (1), H (1), Health/Life Sciences (1), Other (1)
  • Assistance provided: 
    • Workforce development. Many companies mentioned challenges with recruitment, retention and finding skilled employees. Businesses were connected to local workforce development programs and educational institutions. 
    • Expansion planning. Several companies indicated plans for expansion or interest in growing their operations (e.g. additional warehousing space, expansion of campus, additional manufacturing lines.) Businesses were provided guidance and resources on expansion planning and site selection.
    • Supply chain and logistics. Some companies expressed interest in being connected to logistics assistance. One was connected to Ports of Indiana to explore opportunities related to Foreign Trade Zones and logistics.
    • Infrastructure and utilities. Some companies have experienced power outages that hindered their ability to add new production lines. Connected with local utility provider to address these issues.
    • Business networking. Some companies expressed interest in finding local suppliers and partners. Connected with E-REP Membership Team, which hosts networking events such as CNN (Community Networking & News, which takes place every Friday.)

Business Attraction:

  • Total number of businesses contacted: 17
  • Information requests responses: 7
  • Number of requests not submitted: 10
  • Most projects not submitted due to lack of suitable buildings or sites meeting the specific requirements (e.g., size, ceiling height).
  • The majority of the projects were in the manufacturing sector, with a focus on renewable energy, electric vehicles, and battery-related industries.
  • Investment amounts for the projects range from $10 million to $1 billion.
  • Job creation potential varied widely, from as few as 13 jobs to as many as 1,200 jobs per project.

Talent Attraction Efforts:

Belong Here Talent Attraction Program analytics (15 spots) – May 2024

  • Belong Here campaign Meta impressions: 392,822
  • Link clicks: 14,410
  • Belong Here campaign LinkedIn impressions: 47,089
  • Link clicks: 597
  • 72 applicants
  • 5 have secured a job and moved 🎉

o   SABIC x 2

o   Deaconess

o   Hubert Family Dental

o   Haubstadt Dental

  • 5 movers securing housing

  • Make My Move Remote Work analytics (25 spots)

    • 14 households secured
    • 298 in pipeline
    • 17 are in accepted status and looking for housing

  • Talent Retention Efforts:

    • E is for everyone’s newsletter analytics

      Data Collection and Analysis:

      pastedGraphic.png

      Grant Pursuit:

      • The bulk of Q1 was spent writing and finalizing the Southwest Indiana Regional Development Authority’s application for the Regional Economic Accelerator & Development Initiative (READI 2.0). While the award was not announced until Q2 (Apr. 11), it bears mentioning twice that E-REP’s efforts on this grant application resulted in the maximum allotment of $45,000,000 to the region. This follows the maximum $50,000,000 from READI 1.0 in 2021 and $42,000,000 from the Regional Cities Initiative in 2016. 

      Regional Collaboration:

      • Both Q1 Economic Partners and Elected Officials councils convened on January 25, 2024.
      • Matt Eckerle, principal, of Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors, was the guest speaker and he presented on the new Residential Infrastructure Fund, a $75MM low-interest loan through the Indiana Finance Authority’s State Revolving Fund (IFA SRF). 
      • Attendees were also updated on E-REP updates, including the 2023 Talent EVV Annual Report, the latest on the READI 2.0 regional application, the Inflation Reduction Act, the I-69 Corridor Plan by MKSK, and the pursuit of a new 2025-29 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
      • There were 17 Economic Partners present and 21 Elected Officials for those in attendance to network and build relationships with each other.

FOOTNOTE:  The City-County Observer posted this article without bias, opinion, or editing.

 

 

“Exceptional Pick” – Senator Braun on J.D. Vance

1

“J.D. Vance knows firsthand the experience of the forgotten American family and is proof that there’s no limit to how high you can rise in our country with hard work and strong values.”

MILWAUKEE – Senator Braun released the following statement on Senator J.D. Vance’s selection as former President Donald Trump’s running mate.

“President Trump made an exceptional pick in J.D. Vance to be his running mate and serve as our next Vice President. I first met J.D. back when his book hit the shelves, and I was impressed by his ideas and optimism for revitalizing the industrial Midwest. I’ve been fortunate to get to know him better in the Senate working with him on legislation like the Railway Safety Act which he led after the East Palestine disaster. J.D. Vance knows firsthand the experience of the forgotten American family and is proof that there’s no limit to how high you can rise in our country with hard work and strong values.”  – Senator Mike Braun

 

1...476477478...7,236Page 477 of 7,236