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.

First Security Bank’s ability to serve business clients with treasury management tools continues to grow with the hiring of Logan Hillyard as Vice President – Treasury Management.  Hillyard will work with existing and new clients in the bank’s Kentucky and Indiana markets to provide cash flow management tools, accounts receivable and payable solutions, and other interest-bearing deposit account options for business customers.

Hillyard comes to First Security Bank with more than 15 years of experience in the financial services industry including positions as Assistant Vice President- Cash Management, Vice President- Treasury Management and Financial Advisor. He is a graduate of Murray State University with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Political Science, a Master’s of Public Administration Degree in Public Administration and a Master’s of Science Degree in Management of Technology.  Hillyard most recently worked as the Vice President – Treasury Management Officer at PNC Bank, where he managed more than 100 client relationships.

“Adding Logan to the commercial banking team at First Security Bank is an important step in our relationship banking strategy. His experience, his passion and his desire to help businesses grow, coupled with our commercial lending team, will be invaluable to our clients,” said Scott Powell, Executive Vice President – Chief Credit Officer.

First Security Bank is a $600 million asset bank with 11 banking centers. With more than 140 employees, in its four markets and corporate office, First Security Bank has differentiated itself from larger competitors with its focus on relationship banking and the ability to make credit and other business decisions locally.

44News Picks Up Several Indiana SPJ Awards

Friday night was a good night for us here at 44News. Our team picked up several awards from the Indiana Society of Professional Journalists in Indianapolis. Amanda Decker and Buckley Tunison took first place for Best Feature Story – beating…

Carlos Caballero of Newburgh, Indiana, has received the 2017 Trustees Distinguished Merit Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement not only in the student’s major, but also in the liberal arts and sciences that form the core curriculum. Each college at USI nominates one student for the honor, which includes a $2,000 award.

Caballero, a four-year member of the Honors Program, will receive his bachelor’s degree in Health Services at the College of Nursing and Health Professions Spring Commencement ceremony on April 29, and is currently enrolled in USI’s Master of Health Administration (MHA) 4+1 program. At USI, Caballero has been an ambassador for Academic Skills, an anatomy and physiology tutor and a Spanish tutor.

As a graduate assistant, Caballero has worked closely with Dr. Katie Ehlman and the Positive Approach® to Dementia Care in Southwest Indiana program, a collaboration between the USI and Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach® to Care (PAC) funded by the Indiana State Department of Health. As a certified PAC trainer, Caballero is helping with education, research and data analysis to improve dementia caregiving in skilled nursing facilities around region.

“Carlos is dedicated to learning and making a difference in healthcare,” said Dr. Ann White, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions. “I greatly appreciate the university recognizing his efforts. He is a leader among students and respected by both faculty and his classmates.”

After completing the MHA program, which he expects to complete in Spring 2018, he plans to pursue a career in business operations and quality performance improvement and innovation in healthcare, with a long-term goal of becoming a hospital president.

Decline In Bankruptcy Filings Slowing

IL for www.theindianalawyer.com

Bankruptcy filings in federal courts continue to fall, but the rate of decline is slowing.

According to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, business and non-business filings dropped to 794,492 in the 12-month period ending March 31. This is a 4.7 percent decline from the same period in 2016.

It is also the smallest decrease in recent years. The decline from March 2015 to March 2016 was 8.5 percent while the fall from March 2014 to March 2015 was 12.2 percent.

For the 12-month time frame that ended March 31, 2013, the total number of bankruptcy filings reached 1,174,324.

Indiana district courts have also posted a reduction in filings.

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Indiana logged a total of 9,647 bankruptcy petitions in the 12-month period that ended March 31, 2017. Lake County was the largest contributor with 2,833 filing followed by Allen Count with 1,500 filings.

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Indiana posted a total of 14,471 bankruptcy filings for the same period. Marion County led the pack with 4,675 filings and Hamilton County was second with 687 filings.

Comparatively, for the year that ended March 31, 2016, the Northern District registered 10,603 bankruptcy filings and the Southern District tallied 15,395 filings.