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VANDERBURGH COUNTY TREASURER’S OFFICE CUTS BUDGET 11.9%

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Vanderburgh County Treasurer Rick Davis announced to the Vanderburgh County Council on Wednesday that he has slashed his proposed 2011 budget by 11.9%. Davis, in his first term as County Treasurer, credited his idea for printing property tax bills in-house rather than through a third-party vendor as the main reason his budget has been trimmed by $75,994 from 2010 to 2011. In five years, Davis told the council the project would amount to at least $82,000 in savings for just the bill printing line item.

Davis said the line item in his budget for bill printing is only $15,000 for 2012, $50,000 less than what was budgeted each of the two previous years, and $40,000 less than 2008. The County Council will conduct budget hearings in earnest on Aug. 17 and Aug. 18 beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Davis’ presentation also detailed how his office has increased productivity not only for his office, but other county offices as well. Davis credited the County Council’s approval for the purchase of two heavy duty printers producing 6,000 combined prints per hour, as well as equipment that folds and inserts documents into envelopes at a speed of 4,300 per hour. Davis had predicted to the Council that once the printers and folder/inserter arrived at the Civic Center that he would be able to help the Auditor’s Office and the Assessor’s Office print, fold and insert documents into envelopes for mass mailings the county offices perform on an annual basis. But once the equipment arrived, he was surprised to learn that other offices, including the Election Office and the Sheriff’s Office, were interested in using the equipment, too. Davis noted that his office is now planning to help the Sheriff’s Office print, fold and insert 10,000 Tax Warrants into envelopes soon. He also said his office helped the Election Office print every poll book that was used during the Primary Election on May 4, saving that office countless hours of work.

Davis told the Council that new property tax billing software has also enabled his office to eliminate one person from his staff at a savings of $31,300 in 2010 alone, a savings that will add up year after year.

Davis said the in-house bill project did not come as a sacrifice to the taxpayers as far as service is concerned. He noted his office increased the amount of time taxpayers had to pay their bills by 50% — from an 18-day average for seven straight years – to 27 days’ notice this year. Davis said he had a personal goal of giving taxpayers at least 30 days’ notice in 2011.

County Council President Russ Lloyd Jr. commended Davis for his printing efforts, and noted that he was pleased that the money that was spent on the equipment and supplies for the project all came locally, rather than going out of state.

Davis also thanked the County Council for backing his proposal from the onset. The County Council approved spending $84,278.15 in startup costs for the project. The bulk of that money was spent on the folder/inserter, which cost $56,708, and $20,000 for the two printers and enough toner cartridges to print about 3 years’ worth of bills. Representatives from Southern Business Machines, an Evansville company that sold the equipment to the County Treasurer’s Office, were on hand and told the Council that the equipment should last about 10 years, but with proper maintenance may last even longer.

“Bank on Evansville” Accepts U.S. Treasury Invitation

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(EVANSVILLE, IN) – Bank on Evansville representatives will be in Washington, D.C. tomorrow to participate in a two-day summit, hosted by the U.S. Department of Treasury and the National League of Cities’ Institute for Youth, Education, and Families, to discuss practices from the “Bank On” field. Evansville was selected to attend this invitation-only event because of its leadership in promoting access to the financial mainstream for underserved residents.

Patty Avery, who helped launch Bank on Evansville as Program Manager, and Emily Baxter, Community Impact Manager for the United Way of Southwestern Indiana, will be representing the City of Evansville at the summit which will provide opportunities for local, state and national experts to share information about “Bank On” practices and lessons learned. This information will also help shape national policy to promote financial access and financial education for low-to moderate income families.

“I am gratified that ‘Bank on Evansville’ is being called upon, once again, to share the lessons learned as we implemented the program,” said Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel. “Bank On” has been able to help people in our community keep more of their hard-earned cash instead of paying high interest rates to check cashers. Our hope is that by helping other cities, many more people will realize how they can benefit by joining the financial mainstream.”

Evansville was the third city in the nation and the first in Indiana to implement the “Bank on Cities” model. Our program helped shape how the State of Indiana and other cities across the state are implementing their “Bank On” initiatives. We were also tapped to help with “Bank On” launches in Ohio and Kentucky. In addition, the National League of Cities reports that Evansville achieved the fastest program launch and we are pace setters when it comes to financial education.

“Bank on Evansville” was developed as a response to the high cost of basic financial services for individuals and families who don’t have a checking or savings account. The program’s goal is to measurably improve the lives of our City’s low-to-moderate income residents through better access to the financial mainstream and financial education. Bank on Evansville accounts are low cost/no cost, have no minimum balance and offer a second chance for people that have had previous trouble with banking; fraud is the exception. We have 15 financial partners- both banks and credit unions- in Evansville.

Initiated in June 2008, Bank on Evansville opened 1,139 accounts in its first year. Our two year goal was to open 1,200 accounts.

Congressman Brad Ellsworth Responds to Editor on H.Con.Res. 274

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Thank you for contacting me with your views on H.Con.Res. 274. I appreciate your comments, and I welcome this opportunity to share my thoughts.

Faith has long been a part of our national history, starting with the Declaration of Independence that recognized our “Creator” as the source of individuals’ rights. Our national motto, “In God We Trust” is inscribed above the Speaker’s rostrum in the House of Representatives, and is a daily reminder of the vital role faith has played on our nation’s leaders and citizens.

On June 15, 2010, Congressman Randy Forbes of Virginia introduced H.Con.Res. 274, reaffirming “In God We Trust” as our official national motto and encouraging the public display of the national motto in all public buildings, public schools, and other government institutions. Shortly after its introduction, H.Con.Res was referred to House Judiciary Committee. Although I am not a member of this committee, please be assured I look forward to voting in favor of this bill when it comes to the House floor for consideration.

Thanks again for taking the time to share your views with me. If you would like to learn more about my positions on issues important to you or receive regular updates on developments in Congress, please visit my Online Office at www.ellsworth.house.gov and sign up for my e-Newsletter.

Sincerely,

Brad Ellsworth

Senator Evan Bayh Responds to Editor on Responsibilities of Congress and Government to the American People

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Thank you for contacting me regarding the responsibilities of Congress and government to the American people. I appreciate hearing your thoughts and understand your concerns.

I share your belief that elected officials owe a duty to use tax dollars responsibly, and that excesses should be eliminated. Government agencies must be charge with running efficiently, and serving the needs of Americans. During consideration of FY2010 Budget Act (S.CON.RES 13), I supported an amendment requiring that the substance of legislation, including cost estimates, be made publicly available on the internet for five days before a vote is permitted in the Senate.

Americans increasingly believe that government is unable to achieve meaningful progress. In my view, Congress and the Executive Branch ought to be instruments for creating opportunities and overcoming the numerous challenges we face, including facilitating economic growth, bolstering national security, curbing health care and education costs, and achieving energy independence. Though Americans may disagree on the appropriate strategies, most aspire to the same outcome – a better country to pass along to the next generation.

I consider it my obligation to assist Hoosiers in matters involving the federal government. If you believe Congress is not addressing your concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Moreover, if you have specific thoughts on how Congress can improve, I recommend that you share your thoughts with me.

Again, thank you for contacting me. I hope the information I have provided has been helpful. My website, http://bayh.senate.gov, can provide additional details about my work in the Senate, including legislation and state projects. You can also sign up for occasional email updates. I value your input and hope you will continue to keep me informed of the issues that matter to you.

Office of Senator Evan Bayh
(202) 224-5623

Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel issued ADA 20th Birthday Celebration Day Proclamation

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ada proclamation 2010

Please Click on Proclamation to enlarge.

Congressman Brad Ellsworth Responds to Editor on New Health Care Reform Law

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Thank you for contacting me with your views on the new health care reform law. I appreciate your comments, and I welcome this opportunity to share my thoughts.

I voted for the final health care reform package because I was confident Hoosiers want their leaders to start fixing what is broken in our health care system. This bill was far from perfect, but it will make real improvements over the status quo for Hoosiers. Health insurers will no longer be able to refuse access to insurance to the 109,000 uninsured Hoosiers with pre-existing conditions. Small businesses providing health insurance will receive tax credits to make that coverage more affordable. Seniors who get caught in the Medicare Part D donut hole will see that coverage gap shrink every year and close for good in 2020. Young adults trying to find a job with health benefits can stay on their parents insurance plans until their 26th birthday. The final reform bill also makes some of the big reforms that Hoosiers have called for. It guarantees Americans access to the exact same coverage I get as a Member of Congress. It begins reforming Medicare and Medicaid to start rewarding doctors and hospitals who deliver quality, efficient care that improves their patients’ health. It also makes insurance companies compete across state lines–opening up the power of competition to bring down premiums.

I understand you support repealing the new health care reform law, but I think these new consumer protections and tax breaks are too important for too many Hoosier families and businesses. Beyond my personal opinion, while the debate over health care reform got very heated at times, the American people have indicated in recent months that they oppose repeal of this new law. One example from a recent poll indicated 61% say “the nation should wait and see how the health-care legislation works or leave it alone”, with only 37% advocating for repeal. I support this approach: If one piece doesn’t work, then Congress should repeal that piece. If a piece works, keep it in place. I still believe the new law is not perfect, and I am always happy to discuss ways to improve it. But I believe it’s simply premature to repeal this new law before we have an opportunity to see how each part works for Hoosiers.

Thanks again for taking the time to share your views with me. If you would like to learn more about my positions on issues important to you or receive regular updates on developments in Congress, please visit my Online Office at www.ellsworth.house.gov and sign up for my e-newsletter.

Sincerely,

Brad Ellsworth

GOVERNOR DANIELS CAMPAIGNS IN MOUNT VERNON FOR STATE REP CANDIDATE WENDY MCNAMARA

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Governor Mitch Daniels visited Mount Vernon Tuesday to show his support for Wendy McNamara, candidate for State Representative in District 76, at a meet and greet ice cream social with one hundred local residents. The Governor spoke to the crowd about his support for McNamara and the importance of this election to Indiana.

McNamara, an educator in the Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation, was glad to have Governor visit.

“It was truly an honor to have Mitch come to Mt. Vernon on my behalf,” said McNamara. “He represents the sort of responsive and forward-thinking leader that I represent, and I’m thrilled that he would endorse my campaign. He understands the issues that are important to our community, and I look forward to the possibility of taking all the input we received from the voters today and working with him to create real solutions that address those needs.”

Indiana Chamber of Commerce PAC endorses Ron Bacon for District 75 State Representative

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The Indiana Chamber of Commerce PAC, Indiana Business for Responsive Government (IBRG), has endorsed Ron Bacon Candidate for District 75 State Representative. IBG’s mission is to aid and support candidates that will improve the business climate in Indiana. Michael R. Davis, Vice President of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce states that Ron Bacon holds “Pro-Job Growth and Pro-Economic Development views and agenda deserving of our endorsement”.

Upon announcement of the endorsement Candidate Bacon commented “I am very appreciative to receive the Indiana Chamber of Commerce endorsement”.

Bacon stated “Whirlpool Corp. idling their facility in District 75, is another example of the need to have local law makers working with employers in our district and our community crafting incentives for job creation and job retention”. Bacon continued “Affordable education opportunities for those displaced from such closing need to be available within our community college system at IVY Tech. An educated workforce in a business friendly environment is what it is going to take for Indiana to remain competitive in landing new job creation in the future.”

Ron Bacon is a candidate for State Representative in District 75 which covers part of Vanderburgh, Warrick and Gibson Counties.

E. Wayne Parke Elected GOP Chairman

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Republican precinct committeemen have selected E. Wayne Parke to serve as the Vanderburgh County Republican Party Chairman. He has previously served as the party’s treasurer. Wayne replaces former chairman Nicholas Hermann, who has resigned in order to run for Vanderburgh County Prosecutor.

Wayne is a retired executive with Peabody Energy and Black Beauty Coal Company where he served as Director of Administration and Senior Vice President. Prior to his work with Peabody and Black Beauty Coal Company, Wayne served as President and Owner of Kindill Mining, Inc., was President/CEO of Old Ben Coal Company, and has worked in various other capacities in the coal industry since 1967.

Wayne has long been active in the community as well. He is the Board Chairman of the Southwestern Indiana Red Cross Chapter, past School Board President of the East Gibson School Corporation, and is a member of the Green River Kiwanis Club. Wayne resides on Evansville’s East Side with his wife, Ms. Karen Parke. The couple have two grown children, Andrea and Timothy.

For more information about Wayne and the Republican Party visit the GOP’s revamped website at www.VanderburghGOP.com.

EVSC Superintendent Awarded Distinguished Hoosier Award by Governor Daniels

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Vince Bertram, superintendent of the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation, today (7-20-10) received the Distinguished Hoosier Award from Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels. The Distinguished Hoosier Award is one of the highest awards given by the state of Indiana to its citizens.

Daniels praised Bertram’s work as an educator in the State of Indiana and the progress made by the school corporation. Bertram is now entering his fourth year with the EVSC.

In presenting the award, Daniels noted Bertram’s educational service to the state, his work with the Indiana Education Roundtable and his leadership and vision.

Bertram said he is proud of the work of the teachers, administrators and staff of the EVSC and of the partnerships and work with and by community organizations to meet the needs of students.

Photo of Governor Daniels presenting award to Vince Bertram following a presentation he gave to the Rotary Club of Evansville.

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