Thank you for your interest and support. The Indiana Association of United Ways provides its Policy Update on "even Fridays" (2nd and 4th Fridays). Contact us
if you have any questions or comments about content (past, present or desired for the future).
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Join us for United Way Day at the Statehouse on March 6 
Watch this
short video to hear why Tonja Couch, Executive Director of United Way of Jackson County, encourages her peers to visit the statehouse and meet with their legislators.
We invite staff, volunteers, board members and agency partners to join our Statehouse Day. We especially encourage new volunteers and staff to visit the statehouse and meet your legislators during this important, budget session.
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The 2017 legislative session is underway
The Indiana General Assembly has begun, and committee meetings are being scheduled.
The last day for bills to get filed is today, and more than 840 bills have already been filed. This session is a "long session" where lawmakers will decide the state's next two-year budget which is typically about $30 billion. Legislators will make tough funding decisions on state government services including education, infrastructure and public safety.
Links to help you follow are below:
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Governor Holcomb prioritizes economy and the workforce, infrastructure and attacking the drug epidemic 
The newly inaugurated Governor Holcomb recently released his Next Level Legislative Agenda. The agenda tells us more about the new administration's funding and policy priorities for the future. The agenda includes five key priority areas:
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Cultivate a strong and diverse economy by growing Indiana as a magnet for jobs: pass an honestly balanced budget, make Indiana an innovation hub, continue the Regional Cities program and create entrepreneurship grants.
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Create a 20-year plan to fund roads and bridges: maintain current roads and invest in the future, incentivize more direct flights, double track the south shore line in northwest Indiana, leverage Federal dollars for local projects.
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Develop a 21st century skilled and ready workforce: double the state's investment in pre-k, increase incentives for adult credential/certificate programs, appoint a Secretary of Education, align STEM efforts through K-12 education.
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Attack the drug epidemic: local authority to establish syringe exchange programs, limit the amount of controlled substances prescriptions and refills, enhance penalties for pharmacy robberies.
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Deliver great government service: modernize the Department of Revenue computer system, expand the nurse family partnership to combat infant mortality, update the Indiana State Police labs.
Many of the Governor's priorities are reflected in legislation that has been filed by the Indiana General Assembly. We will know more about how they fare as the session continues.
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Register now for January 30 legislative update webinar 
IaUW partners with the Indiana Coalition for Human Services to bring you updates during the legislative session. The first update webinar will take place on Monday, January 30 at 2pmET. We will share an update about the progress with legislation affecting working Hoosiers, children, seniors and people with disabilities. Register now to watch the webinar live. The recorded version will be posted on our website if you are not able to watch the live recording. Additional legislative update webinars will be recorded on March 10 and May 5.
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Check out our Third House / Meet Your Legislator event calendar
IaUW is tracking Third House Sessions and "meet your legislator" events across the state. These meetings are opportunities for constituents to talk to their legislators and learn about bills they are working on at the statehouse. It is important that legislators hear input from their constituents, and these events are a great way for you to connect and share your thoughts. View our Third House Calendar that will be updated regularly throughout the legislative session. Check back often for new events as they are posted. Upcoming events include:
- Carroll County - January 27 at 12:00pm
- Elkhart County - January 21 at 10:00am
- Greater Lafayette - January 21 at 7:30am
- Howard County - January 27 at 4:00pm
- Shelby County - January 27 at 11:30am
- St. Joseph County - January 27 at 12:00pm
If you attend,
drop us a note
to share a little about your experience.
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Promote MyFreeTaxes during this tax filing season so that more Hoosiers can file their taxes for free!
Tax filing season for 2016 returns will kick off on January 23 with an April 18 filing deadline. IaUW encourages you to help the people you know and work with file their taxes for free. If a single or married couple has income less than $64,000 then they may be able to file for free through MyFreeTaxes.com. More than 70% of Hoosiers qualify to use this free, safe and secure online service.
To help spread the word as an employer, you may:
- post this MyFreeTaxes flyer in your break room;
- include this payroll stuffer with paystubs in February; and
- offer computer, internet and printer access during or after hours for an employee to complete their return and print a copy for their records.
For taxpayers with income above $64,000, they may still file through MyFreeTaxes for a fee competitive with other online tax preparation software. Find more info at
www.myfreetaxes.com.
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 Early learning resources 
The December 22 Policy Update included details from two reports by the Early Learning Advisory Committee (ELAC). Both reports provide quality information about the state of early education programs and the current funding streams in Indiana. These reports received a lot of views, so we wanted to feature them again for your reference.
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All IN 4 Pre-K at the statehouse January 25
The All IN 4 Pre-K campaign is hosting a day at the statehouse on January 25. This is a chance to join a public rally for pre-k expansion and meet with your lawmakers to tell them how important it is to expand pre-k in Indiana. Learn more and RSVP to share how many early care and education providers, advocates and local families you are bringing!
All IN 4 Pre-K is seeking support from more than 100 organizations across the state who are "all IN" for pre-k expansion. Leaders from Early Learning Indiana, the Indiana Chamber and United Ways and Funds across the state have already signed the letter in support. Please consider having your organization sign on for pre-k expansion before January 25.
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IaUW Public Policy 
IaUW is a nonpartisan organization that works to advance policy principles and compromise solutions for the common good. Our policy priorities (new!) are developed and guided by our Public Policy Committee and our members, based on their programmatic work in Hoosier communities.
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Education, so that children are prepared for and succeed in school;
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Income/Financial Stability, so that individuals and families may achieve and sustain financial stability;
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Health, so that individuals may access quality healthcare; and
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Strong Communities, where a statewide 2-1-1 network and a strong charitable sector help communities thrive.
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Frequently Requested Links / Documents
iauw.org
- Learn about the Indiana Association of United Ways, current trainings and conferences and the ways we support local United Ways/Funds, partners and communities.
IaUW Policy / Advocacy info - Review and download IaUW Policy Priorities, Third House calendar, bill lists, fact sheets, talking points and testimony.
Federal Advocacy Action Center - Contact your member of Congress provided through our partnership with United Way Worldwide.
IaUW Policy Update Archive - Read prior issues, special articles and key documents produced by IaUW related to public policy and advocacy.
Community Report Card - Check out key indicators in Education, Income and Health for your neighborhood, county or region.
IN211.org - S
earch for human service information available through the referral database or by calling 2-1-1. Download reports about resources, needs, gaps and trends from Indiana 211 Partnership.
NRN Calendar - Register for high-quality and affordable training for nonprofit staff and volunteers by the Indiana Nonprofit Resource Network.
Indiana General Assembly
- Check the hearing or floor schedule, watch a live or recorded hearing or floor session and look up your legislators.
Congress.gov
- Look up bills introduced or passed in Congress.
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