DESTINY WELLS RESPONDS TO TODD ROKITA: UPHOLDING RULE OF LAW AND EMBRACING COMMUNITY AUTONOMY
DESTINY WELLS RESPONDS TO TODD ROKITA: UPHOLDING THE RULE OF LAW AND EMBRACING COMMUNITY AUTONOMY
JUNE 3. 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today Destiny Wells, Democratic candidate for Indiana Attorney General, responded to Attorney General Todd Rokita’s recent press release threatening legal action against Indiana cities and counties that maintain policies he deems “sanctuary” for immigrants. Wells, currently in our nation’s capital engaging in discussions on immigration as a national security imperative, reaffirmed her commitment to uphold the rule of law while respecting the autonomy of local communities:
“Attorney General Rokita’s approach to immigration and sanctuary cities is both divisive and detrimental to the unity and safety of our communities,” Wells stated. “As Attorney General, I will not attack localities for making decisions best suited for their unique circumstances. Immigration policy is fundamentally a federal issue, and I will provide the latitude for federal authorities to address these matters appropriately. If the federal government asks for our assistance, we will assist within our duties. However, we will not go looking to use our statutory authorities to meddle in local affairs.”
Wells is attending a panel discussion titled “Immigration as a National Security Imperative: Enhancing National Security through Economic Growth, Strategic Competition, Human Rights, and Foreign Policy.” Wells emphasized the importance of viewing immigration policy through a broader, more comprehensive lens that includes economic and strategic considerations:
“The discussions I am part of today in DC underscore the potential for immigration policy to enhance our national security. By investing in economic growth, strategic competition, human rights, and foreign policy, we can create a more secure and prosperous nation,” Wells said. “This is a complex issue requiring thoughtful, multi-faceted solutions rather than fear-mongering and punitive measures against our own communities.”
Wells reiterated her commitment to upholding the rule of law while also ensuring that Indiana’s local governments can operate in ways that reflect their values and needs. “We must find a balance that respects the rule of law, supports our federal partners, and honors the autonomy of our local communities,” she said. “Hoosier taxpayers deserve policies that are both just and effective, not political grandstanding that jeopardizes our unity and safety.”
As Attorney General, Wells pledges to work collaboratively with local, state, and federal authorities to develop fair and effective immigration policies that protect the rights and security of all Indiana residents. “We welcome immigrants who contribute to our communities and share our values,” Wells concluded. “By working together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive Indiana.”
Assistance for struggling military members and vets
Assistance for struggling military members and vets |
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Indiana is dedicated to helping the men and women who served or are currently serving in the military. With assistance for housing, legal and other services, there are several organizations here to help.
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Military Assistance Project:
The Military Assistance Project provides struggling Hoosier veterans, military members and their families with free legal services. This program specializes in civil cases such as wills, guardianship, document preparation and more. Military Family Relief Fund: Indiana’s Military Family Relief Fund can help Hoosier veterans and their families with expenses related to housing, utilities, food, and medical and transportation costs. Eligibility requirements and the application can be found here.
County Veterans Service Offices:County Veterans Service Offices work in partnership with the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and various veteran service organizations to connect veterans, military members and their families to benefits and assistance. To find an office near you, click here. |
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988 and the Veterans Crisis Line:For 24/7, confidential crisis support, veterans or their loved ones can dial 988 then press one or send a text to 838255 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Callers do not have to be enrolled in veteran benefits or health care to connect. Hoosiers can also visit veteranscrisisline.net and join a chat with a VA responder. Please share these helpful resources with service members and veterans you know, so that we can increase awareness and provide help and hope to those who may be struggling. If you’re a current or former member of the military and need help navigating state resources, please contact me at h76@iga.in.gov or 317-232-9600.
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Llama Llama at the Library | June 5
We are excited to kick off our Children’s Summer Reading Program with a very special event next Wednesday!
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, June 5, 2024
Time: 2PM
Location: Willard Park
Join us for an afternoon filled with fun activities, including llama cuddles and a llama-themed storytime! Our special guest will make this an unforgettable experience for your little ones.
Don’t miss out on the fun! Click the link below to register for our Children’s Summer Reading Program and secure your spot for this delightful event >> https://www.willardlib.org/adventure-begins-at-your-library
Studying Artificial Intelligence
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Studying Artificial Intelligence
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| Artificial Intelligence (AI) has changed many aspects of our day-to-day lives, and it is important we study how it can be used to benefit Hoosiers.
That’s why I supported a new law creating the Artificial Intelligence Task Force, which will assess the uses of AI technology by state agencies. Earlier this month, the Legislative Council approved study topics for the task force, which include:
The Artificial Intelligence Task Force will begin meeting in the months ahead to make recommendations to the General Assembly on AI-related legislation to benefit Hoosiers. |
ALWAYS MEMORIAL DAY
ALWAYS MEMORIAL DAY
GAVEL GAMUT
By Jim Redwine
June 3, 2024
Memorial Day honors the memory of all who have made America. It is appropriate that we do so, for in remembering our ancestors we perpetuate their countless blessings to us. Of course, Memorial Day pays special homage to all of our departed veterans who sacrificed so much, some even their lives, so that we can live ours in peace and plenty.
Our best-known Memorial Address was delivered before America had declared a special day to honor our departed. President Abraham Lincoln spoke for about eleven minutes on November 19, 1863 at the battlefield in Gettysburg where he honored all who had served on July 1, 1863.
Lincoln did not honor just Union soldiers but included the Confederate veterans, without naming either side. President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address was a preview of his Second Inaugural Address of March 4, 1865, in which, in about 700 words, Lincoln set forth the best way for our nation to honor the sacrifices of the departed:
“With malice toward none,
With charity for all,
Let us strive … to bind up
The nation’s wounds;
To do all that may achieve
and cherish a just and lasting peace,
Among ourselves, and with all nations.”
Lincoln’s two short addresses would be a good balm for helping to assuage our current attitude of ill will and remind us of what is our duty to our ancestors, especially our veterans, to our country, and to what we claim to be American ideals. Perhaps we should Memorialize these.
Although my short poem to veterans that I gave as a speech on July 23, 2008, most certainly does not belong with the pantheon of Abraham Lincoln’s magnanimous words, I respectfully offer it in the hope it includes thoughts our veterans and those who love them would find comforting:
“WELL DONE
At Lexington and Concord, the young blood began to flow.
At the Battle of New Orleans, muskets killed our cousins and our foes.
At the Alamo and Buena Vista, we stood to the last man.
At Shiloh, Chickamauga and Gettysburg, brothers’ blood soaked the sand.
At San Juan Hill and when the Maine went down, our soldiers never flinched.
At Verdun and by the Marne, a million men died in the trench.
At D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge, after Hiroshima’s mushroom clouds,
At Incheon Landing, the forgotten war brought many more funeral shrouds.
At Khe Sanh and during Tet, we held our own and more,
At the Battle of Medina Ridge, our Gulf War warriors upheld the Corps.
At Sinjar, Mosul, and places with strange names,
Our Iraqi War veterans now earn their fame.
In uniforms, our citizens have served well everyone.
Today, we here proclaim to them our solemn praise: Well done!”
For more Gavel Gamut articles go to www.jamesmredwine.com
USI Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education is recognized as an accredited program
USI Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education is recognized as an accredited program
The University of Southern Indiana’s Educator Preparation Program (EPP), spanning two Colleges and numerous majors and minors, has received a seven-year extension on its accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
The EPP is housed in the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education and the College of Liberal Arts, including majors and minors such as elementary education, special education, early childhood education, mathematics, history and more.
CAEP’s mission is to advance equity and excellence in educator preparation through evidence-based accreditation that assures quality and supports continuous improvement to strengthen P-12 learning.
“We are very proud that our Educator Preparation Program has once again earned national recognition from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation,” says Dr. Tori Colson, Assistant Dean of the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education and Interim Chair of Teacher Education. “This recognition is a testament to our commitment to excellence in high-quality teacher preparation and dedication to ensure our graduates are well-prepared to make significant contributions in the classroom.”
In addition to preparing students for careers in education, accreditation provides a framework that pushes educator preparation programs to continually self-assess and conduct evidence-based analysis of their programs and their efficacy.
“National accreditation by CAEP is critical to our teacher preparation programs in the Pott College to ensure quality classroom instruction, meaningful clinical experiences and rewarding professional development,” says Dr. William Elliott, Interim Dean of the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education. “This renewal serves as a mark of quality, demonstrating that USI’s Teacher Education Programs meet rigorous standards and prepare future educators effectively for their roles in the classroom.”
For more information on Teacher Education Programs at USI, visit USI.edu/teachered. For more information on EPP, visit the EPP webpage.
TORCHBEARER PUBLIC AFFAIRS ANNOUNCES HIRE OF FORMER INDIANA SECRETARY OF STATE HOLLI SULLIVAN
INDIANAPOLIS— Today Caryl Auslander, Managing Principal and founder of Torchbearer Public Affairs, a Central Indiana Public Affairs firm, announced that Holli Sullivan has joined the firm as Vice President. Sullivan joins the Torchbearer team after founding her own small business and serving the state of Indiana as the 62nd Secretary of State and Representative of House District 78 which comprises portions of Vanderburgh and Warrick Counties.
Sullivan’s leadership is not limited to the public sector, with a management tenure in large international manufacturers including General Motors (NYSE:GM) and Toyota Motor North America (NYSE:TM). Paired with her training as an engineer, Sullivan’s prior experiences in the public and private sectors give her a unique perspective on navigating business and government at all levels.
“Sullivan’s impressive public sector career is a huge asset to Torchbearer Public Affairs’ growing list of clients,” stated firm founder Caryl Auslander. “Holli’s experience as a former member of the Indiana House Ways and Means Committee and Chairperson of the Indiana House Roads and Transportation Committee will provide Torchbearer Public Affairs with strategic insight during the upcoming legislative session as lawmakers navigate complex issues like tax reform and road funding,” concluded Auslander.