LETTER TO THE EDITOR: E-REP SHOULDN’T USE TAXPAYERS MONEY FOR POLITICAL PURPOSES
By Former State Representative Gail Riecken
MARCH 13, 2024
Recently 2 of the 3 members of the Vanderburgh County Commissioners voted to approve the E-Rep $300,000 “annual agreement” to support their work in attracting industry and jobs, an agreement that will fund or will have the appearance of funding a political action arm of E-Rep. I hope that E-Rep will choose not to start the political advocacy group, J-PAC.
E-Rep is receiving taxpayer monies and taxpayer-awarded monies cannot be used for political lobbying or supporting political candidates. I feel that even the appearance that E-Rep might use public taxpayers’ money to promote political activities should be avoided at all costs.
At the most recent County Commission meeting E-REP attorney Micheal Schopmeyer attempted to assure County Commissioners that J-PAC and E-Rep missions are entirely separate but there is no way to avoid co-mingling of monies or at least the appearance of such.
There was also a statement made at the meeting by their attorney that I think is very curious and convinces me that adopting an advocacy group is the wrong direction for E-Rep.
E-Rep’s attorney Michael Schopmeyer said that the advocacy group is to be bipartisan, which, of course, is as it should be. However, the fact that their attorney thought he had to make such a point about a bipartisan group makes me think E-Rep realizes there would be a negative response among some members if they thought there was partisanship in the advocacy group. These members know business and industry would look negatively at any appearance of partisanship in E-Rep or in this new advocacy group.
If E-Rep wants political advocacy for some concern, members have the freedom now to talk to individuals and organizations outside their organization, not directly affiliated with E-Rep. Certainly, that would include elected officials, those representatives whom taxpayers already pay to devote their time and effort to helping our region grow.
E-Rep should change course. There is a lot at stake. E-Rep initiating a political advocacy arm, even if E-Rep says funding is separate from taxpayer monies, is not worth the risk of misinterpretation or unintentional co-mingling.
Evansville has lost its population over the last few years. The estimated population in 2022 is recorded at 115,749. The population in 2020 was 117,291 (census.gov)-about the same as 10 years preceding. Evansville must grow. We need everyone working together for economic growth, and working above board, and that means staying above any appearance of being involved in the political process.
Finally, just a note I don’t want to forget. I was very offended at the attitude of Michael Schopmeyer in his approach to Commissioner Musgrave. Even more, I was disappointed that fellow Commissioners didn’t stand up for her.
In all the years of serving the public, I never heard such disrespect from a presenter, and believe me, I have been in more than one emotional public meeting.
FOOTNOTE: THE CITY COUNTY OBSERVER POSTED THIS LETTER WITHOUT BIAS OR EDITING.
Scheller to present on eclipses ahead of USI Solarpalooza
Dr. Kent Scheller, University of Southern Indiana Professor of Physics, will present Eclipses and Humans: Science, Shock and Awe at 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 20 in WA1, located in the Wright Administration Building, ahead of USI’s Solarpalooza event happening Sunday and Monday, April 7-8, on campus. The presentation is open to the public at no charge.
Scheller will explore how eclipses happen, types of eclipses and the necessary safety measures needed to view an eclipse. He will then dive into how eclipses have affected humans over the millennia with examples in history, war, religion, literature, film and the animal kingdom.
“Eclipses have impacted humans for thousands of years, and we are no different,” says Scheller. “Then, it was dragons devouring the sun, now it’s the moon. Regardless, the heavens will put on a show for us, and we will have rare, front row seats on The Quad.”
USI will host Solarpalooza Sunday and Monday, April 7-8, beginning with a talk by trailblazing electrical engineer and retired NASA astronaut Joan Higginbotham, at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 7 in the Screaming Eagles Arena, followed by a full day of experiential learning and engagement on Monday, April 8, the day of the eclipse.
CenterPoint Energy urges customers to review payment options
| CenterPoint Energy urges customers to review payment options as the Indiana winter moratorium ends
Qualified customers encouraged to utilize payment assistance options Evansville, Ind. – March 12, 2024 – As the winter heating season draws to a close, CenterPoint Energy is reminding customers that the State of Indiana’s winter moratorium ends on March 15. The utility is taking proactive steps to support customers during this time and encourages them to contact us to discuss options. The Indiana winter moratorium protects customers who have applied for support through income-qualified programs, such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), from having their heating services interrupted. CenterPoint Energy has implemented a number of programs to provide continued support beyond the moratorium’s end. “As the winter moratorium comes to an end, we are committed to raising awareness and providing necessary support,” said Ashley Babcock, Vice President of Gas Operations, Indiana and Ohio. “Customers concerned about potential service disconnection or in need of bill payment assistance are encouraged to contact CenterPoint Energy immediately to explore additional support options that are available.” Available assistance programs include: · Keep Service On: A crisis assistance program, Keep Service On, is available to income-eligible customers — those earning up to 70% state median income — who heat with natural gas. The program can provide up to $200 per customer. It will remain available until funds are depleted. Customers should call 1-800-227-1376 to check eligibility and apply. · Special Payment Arrangement: CenterPoint Energy will offer a special payment arrangement to customers who received energy assistance or previously participated in the Fall Turn On or Spring Keep Service On programs. This applies to customers who have previously not followed payment arrangements. A larger down payment is required to establish the payment arrangement, which can be set up from now until the end of June. The balance may be extended through September 2024. Customers should call 1-800-227-1376 to set up the arrangement. Additional payment assistance options offered by CenterPoint Energy and other agencies include: · Standard Payment Arrangement: Customers who are having difficulty paying bills in full can request a payment arrangement to fulfill the obligation in smaller increments over a set period of time. Eligible customers can request a payment arrangement by calling 1-800-227-1376. · Energy Assistance Program (EAP): Contact the local Indiana Community Action Agency, which administers EAP for income-eligible customers and can provide intake information about the application process and program requirements. EAP is available to Indiana customers with CenterPoint Energy natural gas service and/or electric service. · Universal Service Program (USP): A program for Indiana natural gas customers, the USP provides a monthly discount on residential gas charges during the heating season. By enrolling in EAP, customers are automatically enrolled in USP. The monthly discount of 15 to 32 percent applies from December through May 31. · Energy Efficiency Resources: CenterPoint Energy has a wide offering of energy efficiency programs for customers, which can be found at CenterPointEnergy.com/SmartSavings. Customers are also encouraged to apply for all residential (home ownership or rental) weatherization programs, including programs available through the local service provider. These programs assist with reducing energy use in the home, which can help lower the bill. For additional information on available resources, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/IndianaBilling.
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Marah Wood named MVC Player of the Week
Honor is first in Wood’s career
- LOUIS – For the first time in her collegiate career, University of Evansville softball senior Marah Wood has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week.
Wood put together a big week at the plate for the Purple Aces, , batting .429 with two home runs, seven RBI and six runs scored while slugging .857. After going 1-3 in Wednesday’s opener against Lindenwood, Wood picked up the biggest hit of the year for the Aces in game two. With her team trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the 6th, Wood launched a 2-run home run that would prove to be the game winner while giving Evansville its first win of the season. She went 2-3 in that contest.
Saturday’s victory over Bellarmine saw her go 3-4 with a RBI, two runs and a stolen base. Wood opened the day on Sunday with a 2-3 game against St. Bonaventure while adding her second home run of the week, three RBI, a run and steal. She added a hit, RBI and two more runs in the weekend finale that saw UE finish with its fourth win in five games. Just as impressive – Wood struck out just twice in 21 plate appearances over the course of the week.
Join us for our first breakfast meeting of the year this Saturday!
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Pull up a chair, grab a drink, and have some food while socializing with fellow Democrats! We will meet this Friday from 5:30pm – 7:00pm at Doc’s (1305 Stringtown Road). This is a great way to kick-off your weekend and enjoy time with party members. Appetizers provided! |
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Please join us for the first VCDP Breakfast in 2024! Iron Workers Local 103 is hosting and providing breakfast for everyone. We will hear from some of our 2024 candidates including Ed Sein, 8th District Congressional candidate, Hope Fussner, County Commissioner candidate, Gina Ungar, candidate for Recorder, Keith Mosby, candidate for Coroner and Marc Carmichael, candidate for the US Senate. |
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ONLY 300 TICKETS AVAILABLE! Our 2024 Red, White & Blue kicks off on March 16th! The success of the raffle determines the level of support for our 2024 candidates. We will use the funds for mailers, texting, phone banks and advertising. Visit our website for information on purchasing tickets through Venmo, or contact Cheryl Schultz (812-459-7645) to use cash or check. Tickets will also be available for purchase at our March 16th breakfast. Support of the Raffle is greatly appreciated! |
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Join us to provide your input and suggestions for the 2024 Indiana Democratic Party Platform! |
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Absentee ballots for the May 7 primary will be mailed beginning March 22. You can request your ballot by going to indianavoters.com or calling Cheryl Schultz at 812-459-7645. |
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If you would be interested in helping voters complete their primary ballots, please contact Cheryl Schultz at 812-459-7645. Workers travel in pairs to various nursing homes, private residences, etc. to assist voters who are unable to leave their homes or need help in completing their ballots. Workers are compensated for their time. |
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Special thanks to our In to Win monthly donors! Blue — Dona Hall, Glenn Boberg Bronze — Ann Wallis, Edie Hardcastle, Connie Parker, Jane Duesterberg, Valerie Ewers, Kristi Roll, Genny Tenbarge, Nancy Higgs, Melissa Moore
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Dinner on the Bridge is March 23rd!
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Statement by Administrator Regan on the President’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget
President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget requests $11 billion to support EPA’s essential work to tackle the climate crisis, advance environmental justice, and protect human health and the environment
WASHINGTON – Today, March 11, 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration released the President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2025. Following historic progress made since the President took office—with nearly 15 million jobs created and inflation down two-thirds—the Budget protects and builds on this progress by lowering costs for working families, protecting and strengthening Social Security and Medicare, investing in America and the American people, and reducing the deficit by cracking down on fraud, cutting wasteful spending, and making the wealthy and corporations pay their fair share.
“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda and the FY 2025 Budget for EPA deliver bold environmental actions and economic benefits for communities across the county,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “The Budget announced today will advance the agency’s ongoing efforts to address our most critical environmental challenges, from combating climate change, to ensuring clean air, safe water, and healthy lands, to protecting communities from harmful chemicals. EPA’s work will benefit all Americans and we have made it a priority to ensure that a commitment to environmental justice is central to all of the agency’s efforts as we continue our work to help disadvantaged and overburdened areas become healthier, more resilient, communities.”
The Budget makes critical, targeted investments in the American people that will promote greater prosperity for decades to come. At EPA, the Budget will:
- Advance Environmental Justice. The Budget bolsters the agency’s efforts to achieve environmental justice in communities across the Nation by investing nearly $1.5 billion in environmental justice-related programs. This investment supports the implementation of the President’s Justice40 commitment, which ensures at least 40 percent of the benefits of federal investments in climate and clean energy as well as infrastructure work reach disadvantaged communities, including rural and Tribal communities. These investments continue to support efforts to promote cleaner air and cleaner water, focusing on frontline communities.
- Urgently Tackle Climate Change. The Budget prioritizes combatting climate change with the urgency that science demands. The Budget includes $2.9 billion in climate-related programs to support work reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, building resilience in the face of climate impacts including engaging with the global community, expanding upon the GHG Reporting Program and Sinks Inventory, and implementing provisions in the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act to continue phasing out the production and import of hydrofluorocarbons.
- Invest in Clean Air. The FY 2025 Budget provides a total of $1.5 billion for the Office of Air and Radiation, an increase of $690 million since the beginning of the Administration, to continue the development of national programs, policies, and regulations that control indoor and outdoor air pollution and radiation exposure. This funding includes $423 million to assist EPA’s Tribal, state, and local partners in implementing their air quality management programs, an increase of $158 million from the current levels. Also included is $100 million for the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act Program, which funds grants and rebates to reduce harmful emissions from diesel engines, and $70 million for the Targeted Airshed Grants, which help reduce air pollution in the most polluted nonattainment areas. The Budget provides $186 million for the Federal Vehicle and Fuels Standards Certification Program, which develops analytical methods, regulations, and analysis to reduce GHG emissions from mobile sources.
- Support the President’s Goal of Replacing All Lead Pipes. The Budget includes a total of $101 million for two EPA grant programs dedicated to remediating lead contamination in drinking water—the Reducing Lead in Drinking Water grant program and the Voluntary School and Child Care Lead Testing and Reduction Grant Program—an increase of $53 million over 2021 levels. This investment, along with other programs at EPA that can be used for lead projects, builds on the historic $15 billion in direct funding for lead pipe replacement through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and underscores the President’s commitment to ensuring access to safe drinking water and creating good-paying jobs in the process.
- Invest in Critical Water Infrastructure. The Budget provides a total of $2.4 billion for the State Revolving Funds (SRFs) for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, an increase of more than $1 billion over the current levels. The SRFs provide states with resources to fund high priority projects that improve human health and environmental conditions. These funds, and other water infrastructure programs within EPA, like the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) credit program and the two $25 million grants programs focused on infrastructure resilience and sustainability, complement funding provided for water infrastructure in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Budget also includes $30 million for a new program that addresses gaps in resources to help improve the Federal response to water-related emergencies, such as the recent arsenic contamination of a public well in Coachella Valley, CA, and the drinking water access crisis in Jackson, MS.
- Safeguard Against Dangerous Chemicals and Protecting Public Health and the Environment. EPA has a responsibility under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to ensure the safety of chemicals in or entering commerce and addressing any unreasonable risks to human health or the environment. The Budget invests nearly $132 million, an increase of $49 million above current levels to continue building core capacity and modernizing information technology and data software for the TSCA Program. The Budget also provides $208 million for Brownfields to support efforts to revitalize sites by awarding grants and providing technical assistance to Tribes, states, local communities, and other stakeholders to plan, inventory, assess, safely clean up, and reuse brownfields sites. Additionally, the Budget proposes approximately $170 million for EPA to continue addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) through actions highlighted in the agency’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap.
- Continue to Build Back Capacity to Carry Out EPA’s Core Mission. The Budget adds more than 2,000 Full Time Equivalents (FTEs) relative to the 2023 Operating Budget, for a total of more than 17,000 FTEs. This continues to build back capacity for oversight of delegated programs, enforcement and compliance, land clean-up, grant deployment, public communication and engagement, and scientific research in support of all offices at EPA. These staffing investments will enable EPA to better serve the American people and protect public health and the environment.
- Ensure Compliance with and Enforcement of the Nation’s Environmental Laws. The Budget provides $260 million for civil enforcement efforts, which includes funding to prevent the illegal importation and use of hydrofluorocarbons in the United States. The Budget also includes $172 million for compliance monitoring efforts, including funds to conduct inspections in underserved and overburdened communities and rebuilding the inspector corps, and $77 million for criminal enforcement efforts. The agency will implement the National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives to target these investments at the most serious environmental violations.
- Support State and Tribal Partners. The Budget continues to request additional resources to directly support EPA’s Tribal, state, and local partners with an investment of $1.5 billion in categorical grants, an increase of $304 million. This includes a new $25 million program to develop and fund Direct Implementation Tribal Cooperative Agreements to advance equitable implementation of EPA authorities and directives in Indian Country, which will include a focus on increasing resilience to climate change impacts.
The Budget builds on the President’s record while achieving meaningful deficit reduction through measures that cut wasteful spending and ask the wealthy to pay their fair share.
Collective Soul performs at Victory Theatre on July 28th!
Collective Soul performs at Victory Theatre on July 28th!
TICKETS GO ON SALE FRIDAY, MARCH 15TH AT 10 AM!
Evansville, IN– It’s probably (well, definitely) somewhat of an understatement to say Collective Soul frontman and chief songwriter Ed Roland is unwaveringly driven in his desire to double down on doing more of what he does best — making music, sweet music, both in the studio and onstage.
“People ask me if I have a hobby, but for me, it’s just music,” Roland confirms. “I mean, I don’t know what else to do, because that’s what I love to do. I live in the studio — but then the time comes when I go, ‘Well, now I wanna go play live.’ I just love the creation of music, and the process of finding out what’s gonna happen with it next. That kinda defines it all for me.”
In following his ever-tenacious muse, Roland is always looking to connect with his current Collective Soul bandmates any which way he can. Actually, the word current is a bit of a misnomer, since Roland truly believes the Collective Soul of the here and now is as permanently intertwined as any group of musicians he’s ever worked with over the course of his illustrious career. “It’s worth noting See What You Started by Continuing was really the demo for this band as it stands right now,” Roland points out, referring to the 2015 album that realigned the rock quintet’s creative compass. “I mean, this is the band for the rest of my life. This is it, man.”
Indeed, if a) 2015’s aforementioned See What You Started by Continuing was the reset blueprint for how a revamped and revitalized five-man lineup fully gels as a unit, and b) 2019’s Blood was the ensuing coagulant further infused by an in-tune rock ensemble clearly firing on all corpuscles, then c) Collective Soul’s upcoming, long-awaited 2022 album release Vibrating simply sends the band’s artistic spirit into the next stratosphere.
“Our fans have already picked up on that,” agrees Roland, “because they’ve been waiting for Vibrating for almost three years now — and I can’t wait for them to hear it. They’re excited because both See What You Started and Blood set such a high standard for where we’re going as a band — and it’s only going to continue getting better with Vibrating. I really do believe that.”
You can believe it too, for the proof lies within the new album’s deeply delineated grooves. Fact is, Vibrating positively pulsates with the boundless energy that has been Collective Soul’s aural calling card for going on three full decades. From the propulsively gnarly kiss-off of “Cut the Cord” to the reflective midtempo jangle of “Take” to the heart-wrenching reality check of “Rule #1” — replete with a soaring string section, no less! — to the choir-backed emotional crossroads of “Where Do I Go,” Vibrating contains 42 minutes of irrefutable sonic evidence of a band wholly uninterested in sitting still. “I think we’re on a roll,” observes Roland. “We’re not afraid to stretch the boundaries — but we do know how to stay in our lane when we need to. Sometimes, though, we just have to go faster.”
The next logical acceleratory step, of course, resides in taking Vibrating out on the road where the band belongs, and test-driving how this electrifying new material meshes with indelible Collective Soul setlist classics like “Shine,” “December,” “The World I Know,” “Gel,” “AYTA,” “Why, Pt. 2,” “Precious Declaration,” and “Heavy” — in addition to more recent, Blood-spawned tracks like “Right as Rain,” “Observation of Thoughts,” and “Over Me.”
“We’re ready to go,” declares Roland. “Most of us grew up together and knew each other as kids, so that helps with the live chemistry. I’ve always said this about this band — we know when to knock each other out, and we know when to hug each other. We won’t put up with any crap, but if you’re feeling down and need help, we’ll pick you up. We’re coming up on 30 years as a band, so we have to be friends first and foremost to keep it all going. If we aren’t friends like that, then we’re not going to have longevity in our career in order to continue doing what we love to do. That’s just the bottom line.”
Seeing eye to eye, and ear to ear, is part of the secret sauce of why Collective Soul continues to both record and play together at an uncompromised level of high quality. “That’s the end goal for everybody in this band,” agrees Roland. “Just because I write the songs doesn’t mean I’m the only one who wants it all to come out right. We all want it to be right — and that’s because this is a band that acts like a band.”
Working in tandem, sharing unbridled opinions, and listening to what everyone else has to say without recrimination are all key proponents in fostering Collective Soul’s perpetual harmony. “That’s the forte of this band,” Roland acknowledges. “We discuss things together, we figure them out together, and we make sure to get everything right. That’s how we love to do it. And I say this out of confidence, and not out of ego — we’re really, really good at it, too.”
You’ll get no arguments here. As 2022 unfurls, it’s clear heaven continues to shine its light down on Collective Soul, a formidable five-man band humming along in unison with many more good vibrations of their own to share with the masses far and wide. There’s a reason Collective Soul are made for me and you — so be sure to see and hear them for yourself first-hand, the next time they make their presence known in your neck of the woods.
Tickets may be purchased at Ford Center Ticket Office or www.Ticketmaster.com
For more information about the Victory Theatre, visit:
www.victorytheatre.com www.facebook.com/VictoryTheatre www.twitter.com/Victory_Theatre
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