Last week marked the end to a highly productive first half of session. As we continue to work for the best interests of all Hoosiers, one of my main goals for the 2013 session is job creation. With that in mind, I think it’s fitting to highlight the work of the Hoosiers in our community that have been effective in keeping jobs here. A perfect example of this is the Rockport Power Plant located in Spencer County.
The Indiana Michigan Power Company (I&M), a subsidiary of American Electric Power, reached an agreement in February that will allow I&M to use a different strategy at the Rockport Power Plant to meet the EPA’s requirements. Before this agreement was reached, I&M had filed requesting a dry scrubber on one of the two 1,300-MW coal-fired Rockport units in order to satisfy EPA requirements. The estimates for the dry scrubber project were $1.4 billion. The cost would have to be absorbed by the customers and would ultimately lead to a decrease in jobs.
Under the agreement reached, I&M will install technology on both 1300 MW Rockport units. The cost of installing DSI is less than one-fifth of the cost of a single unit and will meet all environmental regulations. This agreement helped the company not have to shut down other plants because of the high cost of the scrubber. Not only were jobs kept but 40 permanent jobs were added. The strategy will dramatically reduce the cost for the Rockport plant, saving I&M’s customer’s money and sustaining jobs.
I glad to see that they found a balanced solution to their situation. Similarly, the House is working towards a balanced budget this session that will keep Indiana on the path for economic growth. We will continue to prioritize job creation, workforce development, education, boosts the Hoosier economy and works to build and maintain Indiana’s infrastructure.
Another key component to the budget is protecting Indiana taxpayers. The budget plans to do this by maintaining healthy reserves, so taxes will not need to be raised later. Healthy reserves will keep essential government services running in the event of an economic downturn and will additionally help Indiana maintain its AAA credit rating.
When creating a budget, the first priority is realizing that you cannot spend more money than you take in. That same common-sense, conservative approach should apply to government. I am pleased to report that the biennial budget passed in the House last month does just that.
I have met with many Hoosiers from across the state who are working hard to make a better life for themselves. The Hoosiers of our community and our district inspire me – YOU are why I support the 2014-2015 Indiana budget. I will continue to support a balanced budget that protects all Hoosiers and will protect the prosperity of future generations to come.
Evansville Police are looking for 38 year old REKO DEPREA LEVELS. LEVELS is wanted for severely beating a woman during a domestic dispute early this morning. The woman suffered multiple injuries. Her current condition and location are not available.
LEVELS is a black male, 6ft tall, and 225lbs. There is no clothing description available. He was last seen in the 500 block of N. Elsas near Main and Virginia.
LEVELS is wanted on charges of Battery with Serious Bodily Injury CL-C Felony, Battery-Domestic Violence CL-D Felony, Intimidation with a Weapon CL-C Felony, and Theft CL-D Felony.
Anyone with information on LEVELS’ location is asked to call 911 immediately.
(Washington, DC) –According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics jobs report released this morning, the U.S. unemployment rate edged down to 7.7% from 7.9% in January, while the economy added 236,000 nonfarm jobs. Congressman Larry Bucshon released the following statement regarding today’s report.
Congressman Bucshon (IN-08) states:
“The unemployment rate may have slightly decreased from last month, yet this number is virtually unchanged since September of last year. While I am encouraged that more Americans were able to find work last month, I know that we can do better.
“There are still 12 million Americans that have not found work, some have even given up the search for a job altogether. Many jobs are going unfilled and we need to do everything we can to better connect workers with the education and training they need to compete for available jobs. This week I voted to approve the SKILLS Act in the House Education and the Workforce committee to fix our nation’s broken job training system so that we can help provide those looking for work the skills and resources they need to find good paying jobs.â€
BACKGROUND:
For the U.S. House Republicans Jobs Tracker, please click here.
Real unemployment, a measure that includes discouraged workers and those employed part-time who would rather work full-time, was 14.3 percent and the labor force participation rate was 63.5%.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “The unemployment rate edged down to 7.7 percent in February but has shown little movement, on net, since September 2012.†The total number of unemployed Americans is 12 million. The number of long term unemployed (individuals unemployed for 27 weeks or longer) was at 4.8 million, which represents 40.5% of unemployed individuals.
Hoosiers filed more used auto sales & service complaints than in any other category
INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller’s office received more used car sales and service complaints in 2012 than in any other category.
Zoeller today released the annual top 10 consumer complaint categories and consumer tips on how Hoosiers can protect themselves from being ripped off.
“Consumer complaints help our office identify, investigate and sometime prosecute businesses that rip off or scam Indiana residents,†Zoeller said. “The annual top 10 consumer complaint list aims to help educate consumers and guide our consumer protection efforts to cut down on scams and industry problems.”
National Consumer Protection Week began Monday and set off a public awareness effort aimed at educating consumers about the latest scams. As part of the effort, Zoeller’s office will host a roundtable discussion on Wednesday, March 6, with consumer protection groups and law enforcement agencies. Participants plan to collaborate and discuss ways to crackdown on many of the top scams and deceptive practices seen across Indiana. Invited guests include representatives from the Federal Trade Commission, Better Business Bureau, Indiana TRIAD, FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, among others.
Here are the top 10 consumer complaints filed with the Indiana Attorney General’s Office in 2012 and tips on how to avoid being victimized:
1. Used auto sales and service
Before purchasing a car make sure to research local dealers and check with the Indiana Attorney General’s office or Better Business Bureau for complaints. Once you find a vehicle, have the car inspected by an independent mechanic. Take your time to read and understand the entire written purchase agreement before signing. Be sure that the terms of any warranty that come with the car are spelled out in your contract. If you need repairs done on your vehicle, research auto repair shops and request an estimate for parts and labor in writing before any work is done. Before taking your car home, make sure all work completed is described to you and all guarantees are in writing. Also, ask the service representative to show you any major new parts that were installed or replaced.
2. Internet scams and sales
Research the online business you plan to purchase from and confirm their physical address and phone number in case you need to contact them. Consider using an online payment service, such as PayPal, or your credit card, which protects your transaction under the Fair Credit Billing Act. Save any transaction or confirmation numbers from Internet purchases and make a note of the time and contents of the order. If you receive an unsolicited e-mail, never respond to requests for personal or financial information and don’t click on any links.
3. Debt collection
If you receive a debt collection notice, make sure you determine whether you are being contacted for legitimate nonpayment by a lawful creditor. It’s important to know your rights and how to recognize abusive collection practices. Keep track of phone conversations and other interactions. File a complaint with the Attorney General’s office if you suspect the agency is not legitimate, if you are being harassed or if the collector refuses to supply verification of the debt.
4. Lending and mortgage related
The tough economy paired with already struggling homeowners has meant big business for scammers who aim to prey on their victims’ desperation to stay in their homes. Illegitimate foreclosure consultants will promise to reduce your monthly mortgage payment or take other steps to save your home – all for an upfront fee. Unfortunately, homeowners find out too late that no work was done and calls to the company go unanswered. If you are facing foreclosure, seek free assistance from a legitimate nonprofit like the Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network at www.877gethope.org.
5. Home repairs and construction
Door-to-door salesman offering home improvement services – especially after damaging storms – may pressure homeowners into making quick decisions. Do your research on the contractor and compare bids with other local and reputable companies. Indiana law requires home improvement contracts exceeding $150 to be in writing. Never pay for the entire project before the work begins and do not pay more than one third of the total cost as a down payment. Remaining payments should be tied to completion of specified amounts of work.
6. Telemarketing calls
Indiana’s Do Not Call law protects registered numbers from receiving legitimate telemarketing calls. Unfortunately, illegitimate businesses and scammers skirt the law by not purchasing the list and trying to deceive consumers with phony sales pitches. That’s why if you are on the Do Not Call list and receive a sales call or text message you can count on it being a scam. Those on the state’s list can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s office at www.indianaconsumer.com.
7. Identity theft
Staying alert and being able to spot the signs of identity theft can help you thwart identity thieves. Monitoring your financial statements regularly and checking your credit report at least once a year can help you detect errors, accounts you never opened, and/or bills sent to the wrong address – all signs that someone else is using and ruining, your name and credit. To learn more about protecting yourself or recovering from ID theft visit www.IndianaConsumer.com.
8. Retail stores
Carefully check the store’s refund policy before making a purchase to know whether you can expect a cash refund, in-store credit or an exchange. Layaway plans, while often helpful, can contain hidden fees or refund restrictions. That’s why it is important to get a copy of the layaway policy in writing before you start making payments.
9. Landlord or tenant related
Tenants have certain rights under Indiana law and it’s important to understand them before entering into any lease. Make sure you thoroughly read and understand your lease to determine your obligations as well as the landlord’s responsibilities.
10. Wireless phone providers
Before contracting with a wireless service provider make sure you research the company, network and plan. Compare several different providers to determine what plan fits your needs and budget. In addition to your plan’s costs, make sure you consider other charges like activation fees, insurance and overages.
The Attorney General’s staff travel to communities across the state to promote consumer protection issues and safeguard Hoosiers – especially those most vulnerable to falling victim to scams. To schedule a free event in your area please email outreachservices@atg.in.gov or call 1-317-234-6668.
An Open House for Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation’s Early College High School is planned for Saturday, March 9. Enrollment of current eighth graders is now taking place and this event is designed to answer any questions families may have.
The Open House will be at Ivy Tech Community College where Early College is housed, in Rooms 101 and 102, from noon-1:30 p.m.
Students attending Early College High School have the opportunity to receive up to 60 hours of college credit while earning their high school diploma. Students spend half the day at their home high school and the other half at Ivy Tech Community College in Early College.
IS IT TRUE that this morning’s 7:30 meeting between City Controller Russ Lloyd Jr. and City Council Financial Consultant David Garrett and others to discuss the October 2012 Bank Reconciliation report was called off by Russ Lloyd, Jr.?…the reason allegedly given by Mr. Lloyd for delaying this meeting indefinitely is because he claims that his official written response to the Oct. 2012 Bank Reconciliation report is taking more time to formulate than anticipated?… we also hear that Umbaugh and Associates has decided to write their own formal response to be presented to Evansville City Council this evening? …we also hear that the Evansville Water and Sewer Financial Officer, Jenny Collins has been invited to attend this meeting this evening to answer questions from City Council concerning the Oct. 2012 Bank Reconciliation report?…we are hearing she will decline to attend this meeting because of a prior commitment? …this is the second time that she has made this excuse to City Council?
IS IT TRUE the Lloyd Pool is the latest facility in Evansville to follow Roberts Stadium, Mesker Amphitheatre, the Victory Theatre, and the Parks to be identified as an endangered place due to neglect and sparse use?…this whole legacy of building something at a premium only to fail at doing maintenance is getting old and embarrassing?…it is sort of a chicken and egg situation where one has to wonder “back when the Lloyd Pool was new and taken care of did people go there and now swimming is no longer a craze, OR did the neglect of maintenance drive people awayâ€?…when it comes to ball fields in the parks the ankle breaking terrain and the chuck holes in the parking lots have driven many people to avoid the parks?…Evansville was once a city that had plenty of well maintained parks and its people enjoyed all sorts of sports in the parks?…today those parks are as neglected as they were when former Mayor Weinzapfel got rid of the rangers to save a few bucks?…the lack of maintenance is a terrible way to run a city?
IS IT TRUE that the City of Evansville did get some good news recently that a favorable bond rating was reaffirmed?…what this means is that right now the revenue and the bond payments are in as good of shape as they were the last time such a review was done?…we hope that a favorable bond rating can be maintained as the bond payments on the Ford Center begin needing to be paid from collected revenues as opposed to the borrowed money to cover the first couple of years of operating costs?…until that revenue source is proven and the existing parks etc. are properly maintained not another capital construction project should be taken on?
IS IT TRUE we have awakened today to the news that yet another banana republic dictator is threatening to drop a nuclear weapon on the United States of America?…this time it is North Korea shaking its fist at the Great Satan as some other tin pot dictators like to call us?…North Korea’s musings are much like a field mouse sticking its middle finger up at a hawk sitting on a fence post looking for its breakfast?…we predict that such an attempt will not only fail due to insufficient technology but it will bring on a response that will end the North Korean regime as we know it?…it is our ally and friend South Korea that needs to keep their eyes on their brethren from the north?
Brooks is a 2 year old Miniature Pincher mix. This sweet boy has a strong personality. He may work best in a single dog home but he loves to be around people. Brooks’ adoption would be $120, which includes his neuter, age appropriate vaccines, nationally registered microchip and a bag of food.
3rd annual Criminal and Civil Justice Summit focused on keeping kids safe
INDIANAPOLIS — As state and federal policymakers examine new proposals for school safety, Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller today convened experts at a legal seminar to discuss school resource officer programs, juvenile justice, human trafficking and online crimes against children, as part of the Attorney General’s third annual Criminal and Civil Justice Summit.
A total 245 people, including law enforcement officers, educators, nonprofit workers, attorneys and representatives from all three branches of government registered to attend today’s free seminar, organized by the Attorney General’s Office and held at the Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre. For attorneys, the event counts as 5.5 hours of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit.
With school safety under a spotlight nationwide since the Newtown, Connecticut, tragedy, the first session of today’s Criminal and Civil Justice Summit focused on school resource officer (SRO) programs where specially trained law enforcement officers are stationed at schools to protect students and teachers. One of this morning’s speakers was Mo Canady, executive director of the National School Resource Officer Association (NASRO), who addressed the role of police in school safety policies. The approaches taken in Indiana schools were discussed by Carmel police officer D.J. Schoeff who is SRO for Carmel Middle School, and Fort Wayne police officer Chris Crapser who is SRO in the Fort Wayne Community Schools.
Last fall, prior to the Newtown tragedy, the Attorney General’s Office conducted a needs assessment study where Indiana educators and law enforcement indicated they would like to make more school resource officers available in their schools but funding is an obstacle. Zoeller reiterated his support for a bill now moving through the Legislature, Senate Bill 1, that would define school resource officers in law and provide state matching grants to help schools create or expand SRO positions through local control and decision-making. He invited the three SRO experts to speak at today’s summit, whose theme was “Keeping Hoosier Children From Harm.â€
“The increase in the dangers that are present to our children require the State of Indiana to do more to meet our obligations to the most vulnerable in our society. This justice summit brings together the three branches of state government, local school administrators, members of law enforcement and others who serve and protect the children of our state to find ways to work together collaboratively in a common effort,†Zoeller said.
As the lawyer for state government, Zoeller has organized two previous Criminal and Civil Justice Summits, or free legal seminars, to facilitate discussion among attorneys, judges, prosecutors, legislators, policymakers and the public on subjects facing the judicial system. Past summit topics included the impact of the mortgage foreclosure crisis on homeowners, and disparities between counties in seeking the death penalty due to costs that resulted in fairness concerns.
Other session topics and speakers in today’s Criminal and Civil Justice Summit include:
Juvenile Detention Reform. Under the leadership of Judge Marilyn Moores of Marion Superior Court Juvenile Division, Marion County became a site for the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative, a project of the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Judge Moores led efforts to enact system-wide reforms to reduce the number of juvenile detainees while maintaining public safety. Judge Moores today led a panel discussion on approaches to juvenile detention reform.
Child Victims of Human Trafficking. Indiana’s anti-human-trafficking task force, IPATH, and the Attorney General’s Office have worked to raise awareness about children becoming victims of human trafficking and prostitution due to criminals who support the commercial sex industry. Because of concerns about human trafficking associated with large sporting events, Indiana in 2012 passed a new trafficking law prior to Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis. At today’s summit, attendees heard from Deputy Attorney General Abigail Kuzma, chief counsel of the Consumer Protection Division, and Marion County Deputy Prosecutor Mary Hutchison, who handles human trafficking investigations and prosecutions.
Investigating and Prosecuting Internet Sex Offenders. Law enforcement has found that sex offenders who prey upon children typically use the Internet to lure their victims. The Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, or ICAC, is a local, state and federal partnership that works to combat online predators. Steven DeBrota, Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, discussed his work prosecuting such cases.
Today’s four summit topics were among the list of priorities Attorney General Zoeller announced in 2012 as part of his second-term agenda.
The school resource officer legislation, Senate Bill 1, recommended by the Attorney General and authored by State Senator Pete Miller, R-Avon, passed 43-7 in the full Indiana Senate on Feb. 25 and has advanced to the Indiana House. If passed into law, SB 1 would do the following:
· Update the statute to legally define school resource officers as being law enforcement officers who have at least 40 additional hours of certified SRO training. Such officers could be employed directly by schools or work for law enforcement agencies and be assigned to schools under an agreement.
· Create a Secured School Fund from which schools could apply for two-year matching grants of up to $50,000 each, to use to 1) employ a school resource officer, 2) conduct a threat assessment of school buildings, or 3) purchase equipment and technology to restrict access to school property or expedite notification of first responders.
· Set up a five-member board that includes the Attorney General that would review grant applications and award funding to qualifying proposals.
The Indiana General Assembly is considering Senate Bill 1 even as the White House recently announced a proposal for a $150 million federal grant program to fund 1,000 resource officers and school counselors nationwide in the aftermath of the Newtown tragedy. Zoeller said the Attorney General’s Office will closely monitor whatever federal grant program might emerge, and he will work closely with the Department of Education, the Legislature and other state agencies to make schools aware of any federal funding opportunities that could complement state grants.
March 7, 2013 – Evansville, IN – Area preschool and daycare facilities are invited to participate in the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library’s 6th annual Preschool Fair on Saturday, April 6th. The fair will be from 10:00 am-2:00 pm in Central Library’s lobby.
Parents and caregivers will have the opportunity to explore childcare and preschool options available in the Evansville area at this free event.
Table space is available at no charge to all area childcare providers to promote your facility, but you must register prior to the event. Tables are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. To reserve a table for your preschool or daycare facility, please contact Amy at amym@evpl.org.
HERE COME THE MUMMIES LAUNCH 2013 CRYPTIC TOUR
After an amazing 2012 which saw the groove-tastic ghouls getting funky to the East, West, and down below, Here Come The Mummies are launching the first leg of their 2013 Cryptic Tour. This crew may be ancient, swathed in bandages, and possessed of a foul stench, but Eddie Mummy, Java, K.W. Tut, Mummy Cass, Spaz, The Pole, Midnight, Mummy Rah, and The Flu have traversed the aeons and the continents alike to rock your town.
Here Come the Mummies will perform at the Victory Theatre Friday, April 19, 2013 at 8:00 PM. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 15 at 10:00 AM.
This is not your mama’s standard horror flick soundtrack music – prepare to bathe like the Gods in funky guitar and horn filled dance music that drops like it’s hot. See some live Mummy action with a video of “Ra Ra Ra†at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3-SXR4tigo&feature=em-share_video_user and a fantastic animated video of “Freak Flag†at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhG2lBLCtdA&feature=em-share_video_user.
As percussionist/vocalist Java asserts, “Here Come The Mummies are heading back on the road, so crate up the bananas and prepare the Gatorade I.V. It is going to be messy. After our winter hibernation, we are more excited than Tom Brady on his wedding night to be hitting the stage. We have four months up pent up undead hunger, so bring the tissues ladies … we are going to leave a trail of broken heels and hearts.†Prepare to rock until eternity or at least until the house lights come on.
For more tour information go to www.herecomethemummies.com.
Tickets go on sale Friday, March 15 at 10:00 AM. Reserved seat tickets ($22.00 / $32.00 in advance; prices go up to … day of show) will be available for purchase at the Ford Center ticket office, all Ticketmaster locations, Charge by phone at (800) 745-3000 and online at Ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices subject to applicable fees.
