Indiana News Update

Miller makes candidacy official
Republican Dave Miller, former mayor of Elkhart, officially announced his candidacy for state representative Wednesday. Miller is seeking office in Indiana House District 5, the seat that incumbent Democrat Craig Fry of Mishawaka has occupied for 20 years. The district is largely based in St. Joseph County and includes parts of Elkhart County’s Baugo and Concord townships. Miller lives on Elkhart’s south side.
http://www.etruth.com/Know/News/Story.aspx?ID=454274

USDA Includes Indiana in Grants for Conservation Initiatives
Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer announced $14 million in Conservation Initiative Grants (CIG) to fund 45 projects in 40 states to develop and refine cutting-edge technologies and approaches that will help farmers conserve and sustain natural resources on their operations. One of the grants for $255,014 goes to the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC), which is headquartered in Indiana.
http://www.indianaagconnection.com/story-state.php?Id=467&yr=2008

New state laws take effect July 1
A host of new Indiana laws will take effect on July 1. The Tribune has compiled information on some of them based on past reports and information from the Indiana General Assembly.  Here’s a look at some of the new laws we thought you should know about, what they do, and what it means for your life:
http://www.southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080625/News01/559074265/1052/News01

Sam Turpin

 

Indiana News Update

Indiana Dems rally at state convention
Energized state Democrats put on a united show at their convention Saturday, rallying behind gubernatorial nominee Jill Long Thompson and taking verbal swipes at Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels.  At least 1,700 delegates attended the convention, where they touted Long Thompson and nominated their party candidates for lieutenant governor, attorney general and state schools superintendent. None of them had an opponent.
http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080623/NEWS/806230308

Candidates for top state offices
Republican and Democratic candidates for statewide offices on the November election ballot:
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080623/NEWS0502/806230382/1008/LOCAL19

Bowen lead luminary in Tim Neese re-election effort
State Rep. Tim Neese, R-Elkhart, has tabbed Otis Bowen, former Indiana governor and Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Reagan, to serve as honorary chairman of his re-election bid.  Also serving on the honorary committee are Bobby Plump, one of the inspirations to the movie “Hoosiers”; Paul Manweiler, former speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives; and Ed Simcox, former Indiana secretary of state.
http://www.etruth.com/Know/News/Story.aspx?ID=454076

Sam Turpin

Indiana News Update

State may buy flooded homes
Moving its schedule ahead by several years, the state this week will begin offering to buy homes needed to build the I-69 extension in Martinsville in an effort to help residents whose homes were ravaged by flooding.The move comes after homeowners along Ind. 37 in Martinsville approached Gov. Mitch Daniels with the request during his tour of water-logged communities earlier this month.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080618/LOCAL/806180409/1001/NEWS

Gubernatorial bid launched for ‘Taxpayers’
A Republican state lawmaker from Southwestern Indiana launched a third-party bid for governor Tuesday, trying to position himself as the candidate of property tax repeal supporters. Sen. John Waterman, R-Shelburn, said he will run for governor under the label of the “Taxpayers Party.” To get their names on the November ballot, Waterman and his running mate, Glenna Jehl, have less than two weeks to collect nearly 33,000 signatures of registered voters by the June 30 deadline.
http://www.courierpress.com/news/2008/jun/18/gubernatorial-bid-launchedfor-taxpayers/

Oxley’s more than a twang and a prayer
State Rep. Dennie Oxley’s southern twang isn’t the only thing he brings to Jill Long Thompson’s campaign for governor. But it might be the most important. “We need a governor who understands what families are going through,” Oxley said Monday morning, his twang slowing every syllable. “We need a governor who can restore Indiana’s promise.”
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080618/NEWS08/806180411/1101/NEWS08

Smoking and taxes
In late 2006, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels proposed the creation of a two-edged sword for improving the health of Hoosiers. He wanted to make health insurance available to low-income working Hoosiers, and he wanted to encourage smokers to stop or curtail their habits. Indiana did, and still does, rank high for the number of smokers, so the method for funding the insurance would be a healthy increase in the state’s 55.5- cent-per-pack cigarette tax.  A lot of Indiana lawmakers didn’t like the idea because they don’t favor tax increases of any kind. But in the end, in the 2007 session, enough legislators bit the bullet, voted in favor of a 44-cent-per-pack increase and passed the legislation. The total tax now stands at nearly $1 per pack, and it seems to have worked.
http://www.courierpress.com/news/2008/jun/18/smoking-and-taxes-the-issue-indiana-shows-drop/

Sam Turpin

Indiana News Update

Legislator rounds out Democrats’ state team
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jill Long Thompson describes her running mate Dennie Oxley as the total package — a state legislator, a businessman, a former teacher and administrator and someone committed to working in a bipartisan manner.
http://www.post-trib.com/news/1009074,thompson.article

Governor Daniels Visits New Harmony Levee
Perched atop a sandbagged levee in New Harmony, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels expressed deep concern for those affected by severe flooding across dozens of counties. He say that includes not just those with damaged homes but everyone with a stake in the Hoosier state. “I’ve seen a lot of destruction,” said Daniels. “First tornadoes then, of course, one of the worst floods we’ve had.”
http://www.weht.com/dsp_story.cfm?storyid=7215&RequestTimeout=500

Disaster relief underway; FEMA reps in area
“Two Federal Emergency Management Assistance (FEMA) representatives are assigned to our area, and they will be contacting victims who have already applied for assistance,” Clay County Emergency Management Director Bryan Husband told The Brazil Times Monday. “They will be going around door-to-door passing out information and fliers for flood victims. FEMA reps do not ask for personal information and do not collect any money. The only other reason a FEMA rep will have to contact a homeowner is to schedule an inspection of damages.”
http://www.thebraziltimes.com/story/1437443.html

Sam Turpin

Indiana News Update

GOP hopefuls line up in District 52
The Republican caucus required to fill the vacant ballot spot for House District 52 has been set for June 23, and already numerous people are showing interest.  The spot is open because Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-Howe, was chosen last weekend to fill Sen. Robert Meeks’ spot on the Senate District 13 ballot.
http://www.journalgazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080612/NEWS07/806120365/1002/LOCAL

Indiana state senator starts independent run for governor
Republican state Sen. John Waterman of Shelburn said today that he will run for Indiana governor as an independent if he can gather enough signatures to get on the ballot. The conservative from southwestern Indiana’s Sullivan County said he has chosen Glenna Jehl of Fort Wayne to be his potential running mate for lieutenant governor. She was the campaign manager last year for failed Fort Wayne Republican mayoral candidate Matt Kelty.
http://www.southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080611/NEWS07/462479368/-1/news&updates=1

Hoosier Boys State to draw 600
For the 39th year, Indiana State University will be the host to Hoosier Boys State, which starts Saturday and ends June 21. The theme is “A week to shape a lifetime.”  The gathering will give students hands-on experience in state and local politics, along with government. Delegates also will learn about the organization and function of political activities in a two-party election system.
http://www.jconline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080612/NEWS/806120305/1001/NEWS

Sam Turpin

News Update

Revised 2007 Marion County property bills in mail
The final 2007 property tax bills for Marion County were mailed Tuesday with a prediction from Treasurer Michael Rodman that residents hoping for a big break may be disappointed.  Rodman said the revised 2007 bills, based on the reassessment ordered last summer by Gov. Mitch Daniels, came in lower than the original amounts of last year’s bills for about 90 percent of property owners with a homestead exemption.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080611/LOCAL18/806110436/1001/NEWS

 FEMA inspections could take days
FEMA officials are on the ground in Indiana, but so far they’re just looking.  About 30 Federal Emergency Management Agency workers are inspecting the flood damage in 29 Indiana counties, along with Indiana Department of Homeland Security officials and local emergency management representatives.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080611/LOCAL/806110425/1001/NEWS

Republican attorney general hopeful brings ‘Thank You/Unity Tour’ to Terre Haute
Greg Zoeller has his campaign priorities straight to run for attorney general. The Republican candidate explained them Tuesday when he stopped in Terre Haute during his “Thank You/Unity Tour.”  “I’ve always told everybody that job number one … was to re-elect our great governor Mitch Daniels,” he said. “That’s part of my platform every place I go, is talk about the number one priority, [which] is members of the Republican team state office campus.”
http://www.tribstar.com/local/local_story_162233202.html

Political dreams? Tanoos says no
Dan Tanoos said he’s been approached by several influential people about running for state superintendent of public instruction on the Democratic ticket.  At this time, however, he’s happy staying in Terre Haute and serving as superintendent of the Vigo County School Corp., he said Tuesday.
http://www.tribstar.com/local/local_story_162231609.html

Sam Turpin

Grading the States 2008

Indiana shows most improvement on state grading system. The following link includes the full report.

grading_the_states_2008

 

Sam Turpin

FSSA Disaster Relief FAQ’s

FOOD STAMPS
1. I was receiving Food Stamps and I lost all my food in the flood, what can I do?
You may receive replacement Food Stamps for one month.  Go to any local Division of Family Resources office and staff will sign an affidavit to replace your Food Stamps.  Click here to find your nearest local county office.
 
2. What if I wasn’t on Food Stamps, but after the flood I think I will need this assistance?
Governor Daniels has submitted for a Presidential declaration.  Once a Presidential Declaration is approved for individual assistance, we will be able to apply for a Food Stamp Disaster Program and clients may be covered.
To apply for assistance in Adams, Allen, Blackford, Carroll, Cass, Clark, Clay, Crawford, Daviess, Dearborn, Dekalb, Delaware, Dubois, Floyd, Fountain, Gibson, Grant, Greene, Harrison, Howard, Huntington, Jackson, Jay, Jefferson, Jennings, Knox, Kosciusko, Lawrence, Madison, Martin, Miami, Monroe, Noble, Ohio, Orange, Owen, Parke, Perry, Pike, Posey, Putnam, Randolph, Ripley, Scott, Spencer, Steuben, Sullivan, Switzerland, Tipton, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo, Wabash, Warren, Warrick, Washington, Wells, and White, Whitley counties, click here or call 1-800-403-0864.
For all other counties, click here to find your nearest local county office.

MENTAL HEALTH
3. Where can I call to get mental health services and assistance?
The Division of Mental Health and Addiction has established a crisis counseling hotline.  Call 1-866-679-4631 and there are trained crisis counselors on staff.

AGING
4. What if I need services to help my aged parent or family member?
We have evacuated four nursing facilities around the state and have relocated residents to other facilities.  Please work with the Triple A’s in your area and they can help you coordinate services.

MEDICAID
5. What happens if I have lost my Durable Medicaid Equipment or prescriptions in the flood?
Call your durable medical supplier or your pharmacy and they will take the appropriate steps to get these replaced. If you do not know this number, please call the EDS member service number at, 1-800-457-4584.

CHILD CARE
6. What if my child care provider is not operating?
Parents can call 1-800-299-1627 to locate a new child care provider.  If your voucher card isn’t working, we can use the paper system.

Other Questions: Please contact Lauren Auld, 317-232-4641

Sam Turpin

IDEM Commissioner Urges Hoosiers to ‘Dump the Pump’

With high gas prices taking a larger bite out of our budgets, there’s no better time than the present to consider finding alternative ways to get to work, and thereby “dumping the pump.”  June 19 is National Dump the Pump Day so I am encouraging Hoosiers to consider doing just that-dump the pump.  Our addiction to fossil fuel has helped perpetuate our driving habits but the high cost of gas has lead us straight into the quandary of  feeding this addiction versus cutting back our fuel consumption.  As with all challenges, solutions abound. There are cost-efficient ways to get to work while cutting back on fuel use, improving our health and preserving the environment. The most obvious alternative is using public transportation when available. While the modes of public transportation  may vary depending on where you live, if there is a bus or train readily available, then by all means, I strongly encourage you to take advantage of these options. If there are no car or van pools, consider starting one by asking your friends and neighbors if they would be interested. Advertise on a board at the library, the grocery store or even on the internet.  When public transportation is not an option, consider riding your bike.  IDEM’s Health and Safety Director, Dave Appel, regularly rides his bike to and from work 50 miles EACH WAY. He lives in Bloomington and works in Indianapolis. Dave says that by riding his bike to work roundtrip not only does he save between $12-14 but he receives tremendous health benefits because he burns over 2000+ calories a day.  While this may be an extreme example, it clearly illustrates that pedal power does have its benefits.  If you live within walking distance from your workplace, I would encourage you to set your alarm clock a little bit early, leave your car keys at home, put on a pair of comfortable walking shoes, and hit the pavement! I walk to work every day and my morning stroll gives me time to gather my thoughts for the day ahead while walking home gives me the opportunity to unwind.  Not only will dumping the pump have a positive effect on your wallet and on your health, benefits will also be felt in our air quality. Typically, the last two weeks of June are when ozone levels are at their worst. IDEM has a “Knockout Ozone” awareness campaign during this time frame to educate Hoosiers as to how they can reduce their ozone impact. The recommendations I have highlighted here are the same as our Knockout Ozone message.  By trying an alternative way to get to work for just one day, on June 19, you might find that you like it. I can guarantee you will like saving money while reducing air emissions and improving your health. I know I do.

 

About IDEM
IDEM (http://www.idem.in.gov/) implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment. Through compliance assistance, incentive programs and educational outreach, the agency encourages and aids business and citizens in protecting Hoosiers and our environment.

 

Indiana News Update

Tax bill dip seen for area counties
Homeowners in Huntington and Adams counties will be among the first in the state to see significant property tax relief on their 2008 bills. Ryan Kitchell, head of the Indiana Office of Management and Budget, shared data from county abstracts filed with the state that show property tax revenue to be collected from homesteads is down 49 percent in Huntington County from 2007 and 21 percent in Adams County.
http://www.journalgazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080610/NEWS07/806100304/1002/LOCAL

President declares Indiana a distater
After a week of bad weather ripped through the area, President George W. Bush has stepped in to lend a helping hand to those in need. Monday, Bush declared 44 counties, including Decatur; Rush; Shelby and Bartholomew, major disaster areas, which opens federal funding to residents and local agencies. U.S. Congressman Mike Pence (R-District 6) applauded the president’s decision to help out his constinuents.
http://www.greensburgdailynews.com/local/local_story_162011658.html?keyword=topstory

Workers protest rising gas prices
In protest of rising gasoline prices, about a dozen AFL-CIO union members picketed Monday in front of the Statehouse, the first of several pickets planned across the country.  “We’re working men and women that have to commute back and forth to our jobs on a daily basis,” said Joe Breedlove, secretary-treasurer for the Indiana unit of the AFL-CIO, which organized the protest. “It’s not just a union (or) non-union issue. . . . It’s something people can’t budget for because the price keeps going up.”
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080610/BUSINESS/806100327/1003/BUSINESS

State Representatives Pitch In During Flooding
Also taking part in the relief efforts was District 64 Representative Kreg Battles.  We caught up with him at the North Knox High School gym as he met with the Indiana National Guard and Knox County EMA.  Battles says he spent the majority of the day traveling though Daviess and Knox counties speaking with residents about the damage they have suffered and what he can do to help:
http://mywabashvalley.com/content/fulltext/?cid=10278

 

Sam Turpin