On Thursday, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation testified in front of the State Budget Committee to request an additional $200 million.
From a Democratic press release: “While half of this money is to be used for a disclosed project in Kokomo, the other half is to be used for private, undisclosed operations. This request is on top of the $500 million allocated by the state in the 2023 budget, of which they claim $408 million is already committed to various projects. The IEDC will not disclose the full details of what this additional funding would be used for. There was no dissension about the portion relating to the Stellantis-Samsung project in Kokomo.”
Rep. Ed DeLaney, D-Indianapolis: “The IEDC comes to us time and time again asking for more money for the LEAP project without providing any answers. At the State Budget Committee meeting on June 11, I asked the IEDC to provide a very basic figure: how much money has been spent on the LEAP project thus far.
“Not only did the IEDC fail to provide an answer to my simple question, they also did not disclose how much they expect to need in the future. I’m hoping to have the details on the past expenditures by the end of the month. The future is anyone’s guess.
“While this secrecy is said to be in the name of protecting ‘sensitive negotiations,’ I feel compelled to remind my friends at the IEDC that the General Assembly is a ‘negotiating party’ that can reduce their budget.
“The legislature and the public deserve to know where the hard-earned taxpayer money allocated to the IEDC is going. We cannot keep spending over the amount we budgeted for the IEDC without any sort of cap.
“The reaction of one member of the majority, State Sen. Chris Garten, was of note. He cited 'structural differences' between economic development and healthcare for aged and disabled Hoosiers. While he pointed out that he saw a 'return on investment' in economic development, he did not set forth a parallel benefit from healthcare for the aged and disabled. I do see the benefit and I am tired of guessing about the return on economic development investments.”
Senate Majority Floor Leader Chris Garten, R-Charlestown: "I am personally frustrated by the uptick in politicization of State Budget Committee meetings. These meetings are intended to provide fiscal review of the implementation of our state budget and ensure funds are being used as intended, not a forum to debate politics.
"The assertion that our state isn't prioritizing Medicaid investments is simply untrue—the most recent state budget fully funded the Medicaid forecast, and when our state experienced a Medicaid funding shortfall of about $1 billion, we used (and expect to continue to use) our reserves to cover that deficit. I also personally authored a law requiring the transfer of approximately $23 million in old and unused state dedicated funds to the Medicaid Reserve Account to help alleviate that growing expenditure.
"Today, as part of the meeting, I made a point to clarify with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation that the state will be repaid the funds that would be augmented for the Deal Closing Fund because it's important the state is made whole so we can continue to invest in the services Hoosiers need from their government.
"My message to Rep. DeLaney is this: Hoosiers deserve better. Stop playing politics, and let's work toward solutions for the betterment of our state."
Rep. Gregory W. Porter, D-Indianapolis, who abstained from confirming the State Budget Committee agenda due to the IEDC’s requests: “I’ve lost track of how many times the IEDC has come to this committee and asked for hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars with no transparency. It’s too many times to count. There’s a clear disrespect for our taxpayers and their hard-earned dollars. I’ve said it over and over again: The public has a right to know where their money is going and how it's being spent.
“Our taxpayer’s pockets aren’t limitless, but the IEDC acts like that’s the case. Now we’re considering dipping into the surplus for the LEAP district. We were told the taxpayers wouldn’t be on the hook for their pipeline projects. The state was reluctant to use surplus funding for our most vulnerable Hoosiers after the $1 billion Medicaid mistake. But we’ll shell the money out to the LEAP project that lacks public support and transparency.
“This body has given the IEDC a blank check, and they continue to use it to their advantage. I abstained from the vote again today because I will not continue to enable this runaway agency with surplus funding. Taxpayers work hard for their money. It’s part of their livelihoods given to the state. It’s the least we can do to respect their hard-earned dollars and ensure they’re used appropriately.”
On Wednesday, the Judicial Nominating Commission unanimously voted to reappoint Loretta Rush as Chief Justice of Indiana.
From the press release: "The four other justices—Mark Massa, Geoffrey Slaughter, Christopher Goff, and Derek Molter—shared thoughts with the Commission, including their support for Chief Justice Rush to continue leading Indiana’s judicial branch.
"Rush was appointed to the high court in 2012, selected as Chief Justice in 2014, and reappointed as Chief Justice in 2019. ...
"During the past ten years, Rush has overseen the launch of pretrial and problem-solving court initiatives, the finalization of statewide electronic filing and unified case management systems, the overhaul of the administrative agency structure, and the enhancement of access to justice for all. She has also led efforts—both statewide and nationally—to transform how courts address participants with behavioral health issues and substance use disorders. ...
"The Nominating Commission recruits candidates for appellate judicial positions and appoints Indiana’s Chief Justice every five years."
Rush: “The past decade has marked a significant evolution in our judicial branch. Through the unwavering dedication of my appellate court colleagues, our trial court judges, and staff across the state, we’ve worked to strengthen our judicial system. But important work remains, and I look forward to continuing our efforts.”
The IU Health Foundation and IU School of Nursing have secured a $1.39 million grant to increase a statewide corps of nurses trained to treat survivors of sexual violence and collect forensic evidence, it was announced Thursday.
From the press release: “Despite having higher rates of sexual assault and child abuse than other states, Indiana has a severe shortage of specially trained nurses who can conduct forensic exams, collect evidence necessary for pursuing court cases against perpetrators, and facilitate supportive services.
“A grant secured by Indiana University Health Foundation and Indiana University School of Nursing from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration is aimed at resolving this crisis.
“The $1,396,401 grant will fund the IU Health and IU School of Nursing Academic-Practice Partnership for Forensic Nursing project to increase the supply and distribution of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) throughout Indiana. The goal is to have more than 340 SANEs trained by 2027.
“One in five women in Indiana has been sexually assaulted, and the state ranks fourth-highest in the nation for the number of reported rapes among high school girls. Still, about 85% of assaults are not reported to police—far above the national non-reporting rate of 63%.
“One reason for low reporting rates is that Indiana has a shortage of SANEs, nurses with the specialized training to support people who have been sexually assaulted. As of 2020, only 32 of Indiana’s 92 counties had a forensic nurse at all. That means victims face a choice of not getting treatment, getting an exam by an untrained provider who will not collect evidence admissible in court, or traveling as much as two hours or more to the closest county with a trained provider. In addition to waiting after a traumatic incident, traveling for an exam works against the need for timely evidence collection.”
Barbra Bachmeier, JD, MPH, MSN, APRN, NP-C,CPH, DF-AFN, FAEN, project director and advanced practice provider/forensic nurse: “Our primary concern is always the patient, and a greater number of SANE-trained nurses in Indiana means patients have greater access to trauma-informed care. We know that how a patient is treated before, during, and after an exam is critical, for their well-being and for reporting the crime. When patients can stay in their communities, trust rises dramatically.”
Paula Reiss, IU School of Nursing faculty, liaison to the program and resilience coach: “The IU Health and IU School of Nursing partnership is unique—it's the only place in Indiana where nurses can work side-by-side with an experienced forensic nurse in a hospital for their clinical training. Simulated learning experiences are important; however, the expertise, knowledge, and caring that experienced nurses demonstrate at the bedside make all the difference.”
Cassandra Tice, grants director at IU Health Foundation: “Our criminal justice system can’t be as successful at prosecuting offenders if we don’t have evidence, and we need more SANEs to gather that evidence. We’re grateful to HRSA for recognizing the need for more SANEs in Indiana, and to our partners at the IU School of Nursing for developing this solution. More SANEs will help survivors heal and ensure that justice is served.”
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Indiana recently named Marlee Brabin, City of Indianapolis architect, the AIA 2024 Tony Costello Young Architect.
From the press release: “The award honors a registered AIA Indiana architect 40 or younger for his or her exceptional accomplishments and contributions to the profession. …
“As the second city architect and administrator of urban design, Brabin is dedicated to raising the standard of design excellence in projects throughout Indianapolis. Tasked with overseeing design review for all initiatives supported by city grants or economic tax incentives, and projects within the downtown Regional Center, Brabin is committed to leveraging her architectural expertise to enhance the urban landscape and enrich the lives of her fellow citizens.”
Brabin: “I am honored to receive this prestigious award from the AIA. It’s a great privilege to be recognized for my work, and I’m grateful to everyone who has supported me in my journey.”
Earlier this month, Gov. Eric J. Holcomb, former Vice President Mike Pence and former Gov. Mitch Daniels today joined INDOT Commissioner Mike Smith to celebrate the completion of the Interstate 69 corridor connecting Evansville to Indianapolis.
From the press release: “Construction on the Finish Line project, the final segment of I-69, began in 2019 in Martinsville. Since then, the $2 billion project has upgraded more than 26 miles of State Road 37 to interstate standards, constructed ten new interchanges and built more than 35 lane-miles of local access roads through Morgan, Johnson and Marion Counties.”
Holcomb: “This historic milestone, completed three years ahead of schedule, is the culmination of decades-long conversations, planning efforts and progress. The opening of the I-69 Finish Line corridor completes not only a direct connection between Evansville and Indianapolis, but also to and through Kentucky and Michigan all the way ultimately to our important Canadian and Mexican supply chain trade markets.”
Smith: “The transformation that has occurred along the I-69 Finish Line corridor over the past four-to-five years has been amazing to witness. I cannot overstate the gratitude I have for the thousands of men and women in our industry who have worked countless hours to bring the nation’s newest interstate to fruition.”
Earlier this month, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) presented a second draft of a proposal to redesign high school diploma requirements to the Indiana State Board of Education (SBOE).
From the press release: “The second draft incorporates significant updates, after months of stakeholder feedback, with a focus on rigor and flexibility for students to personalize their high school experience. This is part of the state’s ongoing, collaborative effort to rethink the high school experience, making it more learner-centric and future-focused. …
“To learn more about the proposed, second draft, click here.”
Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education: “We know that every Indiana student has unique goals and dreams. Some want to go to college, some want to kick start their career right after high school, and some want to serve our country by enlisting in one of our nation’s military branches. To help us more seamlessly connect our students to their future goals, we have listened to thousands of Hoosiers from around the state to help inform our shared work ahead. This is our opportunity to provide a brighter future for the state of Indiana, and most importantly, our students. So, thank you to the many Hoosiers who have been working with us to get this right for Indiana students. Let’s continue to listen and learn from one another, and seize this opportunity, together.”
House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers: “I appreciate Dr. Katie Jenner and the State Board of Education offering solutions, listening to feedback and making changes while prioritizing student needs. She and her team have been hard at work meeting with teachers, parents, higher education officials and many other stakeholders to improve upon Indiana's high school diploma redesign. These updated changes will strengthen Indiana's graduation requirements while providing flexibility to meet the needs of all students, including those who choose not to attend traditional college. Students won't be left behind as they can earn a postsecondary credential or certificate that will give them the skills and experience needed in the 21st century workforce. Because of the continued work and collaboration at all levels, Indiana will lead the nation in creating a relevant and student-focused high school experience."
Indiana Democratic Party press release: “The revised requirements out today return the honors options, but still reduce social studies credit hours needed, and makes foreign language optional for the non-honors diploma tracks. Most colleges around the country require language learning. It also would keep students from the extra benefits they would earn in the military for knowing multiple languages.
“Among the concerns raised by local school districts and state colleges is that the original proposed changes to diploma standards slashed learning hours dedicated to math, science, social studies, and foreign language, as well as the dissolution of honors programs. As a result, graduating high schoolers would not meet requirements needed to continue into higher education or be successful in the workforce. …
“Improving career readiness should bolster, not eliminate the option of university enrollment. Employers want a workforce which is educated and prepared for the world and the workplace. Students should have a fair and equal opportunity to pursue the future they see for themselves with robust education that prepares them for the military, the workforce, or higher education.”
Indiana Democratic Party Chair Mike Schmuhl: “Twenty years of Republican control in state government has failed our local public schools, raised taxes on Hoosier families, and lowered the quality of life in Indiana. Hoosiers won’t forget that Mike Braun encouraged the disastrous proposed changes to diploma requirements through his comments earlier this year.
“When Hoosiers elect Jennifer McCormick as Indiana’s next governor, our students, educators, and parents will have a champion in the Statehouse. We must give our students a robust education that prepares them for the workforce, military, or university enrollment, and expand opportunity and options for lifelong success."
House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta, D-Fort Wayne: “A sign of good governance is the willingness to listen to the people. The SBOE and Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) received over 8,000 comments from the public after their effort to 'redesign high school.' Our communities' concerns ranged from external employment to college applications. The public contacted our caucus about the potential safety risks, accessibility to transportation, lack of academic rigor, competitiveness in college admissions and the short implementation timeline.
“House Democrats look forward to the SBOE and IDOE releasing the full details of the latest proposal so our caucus and constituents can provide informed feedback on the updated proposal.
“I would like to thank the public for their response and engagement on this issue. Through grassroots advocacy, the public was able to positively influence the diploma proposal. We hope the SBOE and IDOE keep their word to proceed with full transparency and continue to take public input into consideration.
"Our caucus remains committed to ensuring Hoosier students have access to a well-rounded, public education that will present them with a stable future and unlimited career opportunities. We hope the public will continue to stay involved as we learn more about the latest proposal."
Indiana Democratic nominee for governor, Jennifer McCormick: “I’m heartened to see Indiana’s State Board of Education finally listen to Hoosier educators, parents, professional associations, and business partners to bring high school diploma requirements closer to what I proposed as Superintendent of Public Instruction almost five years ago. Hoosier students deserve broader opportunities, not narrower pathways. The supermajority has demonstrated its inability to put aside partisan politics and listen to Hoosiers so intentional policy can be enacted that does right by our students. It only took this supermajority five years to catch up with what our team at the Department of Education proposed in 2019. It’s common sense to let teachers teach, and students learn and succeed to their highest capacity.”
Rep. Sheila Klinker, D-Lafayette: “Many of our folks from Tippecanoe County shared their concerns about the shortcomings of the new, proposed high school diplomas. I would like to thank my community for submitting feedback, and I appreciate my constituents for taking the time to attend meetings and town halls. Many who testified were retirees who wanted our youth to have the best education possible.
“It wasn’t that long ago when a well-rounded education was considered a life-changing gift, especially for young women. I know many women who would have pursued history, geography or economics but were encouraged to pursue ‘pink-collar jobs.' As a state, It’s paramount we remember the gift of a well-rounded education and foster academic excellence.
“As one of the four Democratic representatives on the House Education Committee, I’m pleased to see the elimination of the GPS diploma proposals. This is a step towards providing everyone with robust educational opportunities including vocational training and apprenticeships.
“I’m thankful the Department of Education has responded to our concerns. I appreciate the public comment period and their willingness to revise their proposals. I look forward to the continued development of the diplomas to ensure our students are well-equipped for the future and are able to apply and be accepted by our state universities. I’m pleased to see the progress, and I hope that once the final details of the second draft are released it will address all the public's concerns.”
Rep. Earl Harris Jr., D-East Chicago, chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus: "This summer, the IBLC hosted town halls across the state, and in doing so, we heard various constituent concerns from folks across the state. I want to thank the Hoosiers who spoke at our town halls in Lawrence, Evansville, Elkhart, Michigan City and Fort Wayne. and provided feedback directly to the State Board of Education.
"A high school diploma reflects the values and skills our students have gained throughout their educational journey. The initial proposal would have instead devalued our students' education and achievements, leaving students wishing to pursue college or university unprepared or ineligible to attend most colleges. I am optimistic that the changes made in this second draft will allow our students to pursue various pathways based on their individualized goals.
"In 2022, I authored a bill that automatically enrolls eligible students into the 21st Century Scholars program, removing financial barriers that all too often prevent students from attending college. The initial diploma proposal threatened the very existence of this program by entrenching academic barriers to college admission. I am relieved these students will still have an equal opportunity to pursue their educational goals.
"However, I'm still concerned about the feasibility of implementing these diplomas, specifically regarding the work-based learning requirements for the Honors and Honors Plus Diploma. Students going for the Honors Seal will have to complete 100 hours of work-based learning, and those going for the Honors Plus Seal will need to complete an outrageous total of 650 hours. Despite these requirements, we have yet to receive any updates on how students, especially those in rural areas, can secure these work-based opportunities. Additionally, we still need insight into how students will be transported to their job sites or any measures to ensure student safety.
"While there is still work to be done to refine the new diplomas, I am grateful to the IDOE for listening to the public's feedback. I am hopeful that the full details of the proposal will address the full spectrum of concerns voiced by the public. I am excited to watch the continued development of these diplomas as we work to craft a system that benefits all Hoosiers."
Rep. Mike Andrade, D-Munster: “On July 30th, I testified at the State Board of Education’s public hearing, representing the educators, students and parents in my community who have expressed strong concerns about the redesign of Indiana high school diplomas. While the new requirements address some issues related to students pursuing higher education, unresolved questions remain about work-based learning, transportation and safety.
“I want to thank everyone in my community who reached out to share their perspectives on this issue, and to those who provided feedback directly to the SBOE. Additionally, I appreciate School of Munster Superintendent Bret Heller and School Board President John Doherty for voicing their concerns and providing valuable insights at the SBOE hearing in Indianapolis.
“I am proud of my fellow House Democrats and the collective effort we’ve made to advocate for our communities and support the futures of Indiana graduates, regardless of the path they choose. I am also thankful that the SBOE has taken Hoosiers’ concerns into account and proposed a new draft. This proposal demonstrates that our voices are heard, and we can drive meaningful change. While I am optimistic, we are still waiting for the full details of the proposal to be released. I hope the SBOE addresses additional public concerns.”
Rep. Carey Hamilton, D-Indianapolis: “Two weeks ago, I testified to the State Board of Education on behalf of the educators, students and parents in my community. The concerns from my constituents about the diploma requirements were overwhelming. The GPS and GPS Plus diploma proposals failed in many aspects, specifically academic rigor, college admissions, the safety of students in the workplace, transportation, availability of employment opportunities and the burden this will place on local businesses and school funding.
“I was proud to stand beside my fellow House Democrats every step of the way as we fought tirelessly to demand the best for Hoosier students. One of the biggest concerns with the initial proposal was that it did not create a pathway for students to be competitive when it comes to college admissions. The honors enrollment seal option will potentially add a pathway that will get Hoosier students into universities. …
“While this is a positive update, my optimism comes with a degree of caution. We still do not have answers to many of the workforce related questions that arose from this proposal. How will students be transported to these jobs? Will there be enough job opportunities available, especially in small communities? How can we guarantee our students will be safe in the workplace? Who will have to pay for background checks of employees?
“With an upcoming legislative budget session, I hope for continued collaboration between all stakeholders. Concerns remain that the shift in required coursework will create budget and staffing constraints in schools. Years of cuts to public school funding have already left Hoosier schools tapping into their academic budgets to keep the lights on and buses running. When schools have to make difficult financial decisions, classes (and their teachers) that aren’t required to graduate may end up on the chopping block, limiting options for all students.
“I want to thank everyone in my community who reached out to me to share their unique perspective on this issue and to those who provided feedback to the SBOE directly. I am glad we are taking steps in this state to introduce students who do not want to pursue higher education to career options. While there are still unanswered logistical questions, I am optimistic that this second draft is a step in the right direction.”
Earlier this month, a U.S. District Court Judge granted the state's motion to dismiss an ACLU of Indiana lawsuit challenging Senate Enrolled Act 202.
From the press release: “The suit was filed to protect the First and Fourteenth Amendment rights of faculty at Indiana public colleges and universities. Plaintiffs in the suit, filed earlier this year, teach at Purdue University Fort Wayne, Indiana University Indianapolis, and Indiana University Bloomington.
“The ACLU of Indiana is disappointed and is currently considering options for next steps to protect academic freedom at our state's public colleges and universities.”
Sen. Spencer Deery, R-West Lafayette: "I carefully crafted Indiana's new law to protect academic freedom, promote free speech and strengthen the quality of education Hoosiers receive.
"It was designed to withstand desperate measures from those who do not want to see changes in the culture and practices of higher education or who insist their narrow worldview is the only one that counts."