INDIANAPOLIS – Gov. Eric J. Holcomb today signed HEA 1344, which reaffirms and continues the state’s efforts to assist East Chicago families who were negatively affected by lead contamination. The bill was authored by state Rep. Earl Harris, Jr. (D-East Chicago) and sponsored by state Sens. Lonnie Randolph (D-East Chicago) and Ed Charbonneau (R-Valparaiso). It received unanimous support by both chambers of the General Assembly.

“I’m proud of the all-hands-on-deck approach we’ve seen among local, state and federal officials to provide support and assistance to East Chicago residents,” Gov. Holcomb said. “I sign this bill without any hesitation and stand with our partners to continue efforts to meet the needs of these residents.”

Yesterday, Gov. Eric Holcomb joined federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt, Indiana Congressional delegates, East Chicago Mayor Anthony Copeland, Sen. Randolph, Rep. Harris, East Chicago officials and community leaders. Administrator Pruitt toured the site and was briefed on effort to-date as well as the work that remains to help affected residents. It was the administrator’s first visit to a Superfund site since taking on his new role as EPA chief

HEA 1344 designates contaminated neighborhoods as “areas of special concern” and directs state agencies to continue working with local and federal partners to relocate residents and remove or remediate contaminated soil in the area. Specifically, the act:

• Encourages the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) to assist the EPA in sampling, excavating and removing contaminated soil
• Requires the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) to provide assistance to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for resident relocation
• Requires the state to collect from the EPA reasonable costs incurred by state agencies in providing assistance
• Requires IDEM to conduct water testing to determine if East Chicago is in compliance with national drinking water standards

This bill goes into effect immediately. Read the full text of HEA 1344 here.

Stay up to date on the state’s ongoing efforts with local and federal partners to assist Hoosiers in the USS Lead Superfund Site by visiting the following website: www.HealthyEastChicago.com

State Rep. Holli Sullivan’s (R-Evansville) legislation expanding Indiana’s pre-K pilot program from five to 20 counties could soon become law.

House Enrolled Act 1004 would expand On My Way Pre-K, the state’s pre-K pilot program that was established in 2014 and currently serves nearly 2,300 students in five counties including Allen, Lake, Marion, Jackson and Vanderburgh. Under this proposal, up to 15 additional counties could be added, potentially quadrupling the amount of low-income families who could benefit from the program. Sullivan, who co-authored the proposal, said only high-quality programs and providers in the new counties would be eligible to participate.

“Data shows low-income children often start kindergarten academically behind their peers,” Sullivan said. “This plan places a priority on rural communities where studies have revealed a need for high quality pre-K options. The bill also incorporates online, in-home learning programs.”

Eligibility requirements, including income thresholds, would apply to those wanting to participate. If programs are at capacity in the five original counties, the Family and Social Services Administration could raise the income eligibility to 185 percent of the federal poverty level to reach more low-income families. Sullivan said priority would be given to children who are most in need and to more rural counties.

“Providing more high-quality early education opportunities to these very young, at-risk students truly benefits all Hoosiers,” Sullivan said. “This plan will give students a strong foundation and helps them achieve their full potential.”

House Enrolled Act 1004 now proceeds to the governor for consideration as a new law. Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about this legislation.