Policy Update, August 25, 2017 
Thank you for your interest and support. Indiana 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).  
At the Statehouse Still time to connect during August Recess
When Members of Congress return to Washington D.C. after Labor Day they will have a busy fall ahead of them.  You can expect the conversation on healthcare reform to make a return and debates will pick up around tax legislation, raising the debt ceiling and appropriations with the October 1 start of the 2018 fiscal year for the federal government. The House Budget Committee has passed a FY18 budget resolution which would give states more flexibility and responsibility for certain assistance programs.  This could lead to an increase in work requirements for programs like SNAP.  With less than half of the necessary appropriations bills being passed at this time, Congress may need to consider passing a continuing resolution by October 1 to avoid a government shutdown.  

The August Recess, happening now through September 4, is an opportunity to connect with your elected officials on these issues. Do specific appropriations impact your organization's programming?  Do you have concerns with tax reform that may disincentivize charitable giving?Let them know!  You may consider inviting your members to a local event (i.e. backpack drive or VITA site) or to tour a partner agency or program that you support. In addition, many members will hold town hall meetings and will be making public appearances at local events. Town halls also present an opportunity to ask members what they are doing to support health, education and financial stability in your community.
At the Statehouse - Take Action Attend the 2017 ICHS Annual Meeting to hear from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and The Kaiser Family Foundation ICHS Logo
The Indiana Coalition for Human Services will be hosting the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and The Kaiser Family Foundation at their Annual Meeting on Wednesday, August 30 in Indianapolis.  Register now for a current update on the federal landscape of healthcare reform and the budget from national experts. The cost to attend is $10 for ICHS members and $15 for nonmembers. Learn more about the event and guest speakers.  
At the Statehouse
Legislative Study Committees State Capitol
During the legislative session many interim study committee topics are recommended by the General Assembly.  The meetings allow experts in the field and state agencies to share information about the current state of issues in Indiana in preparation for the next legislative session.  In late May, the Legislative Council announced the topics to be studied in the interim before the 2018 session.  

View the House and Senate interim study committee assignments. Check the interim committee calendar for updates. A sample of current meetings on the calendar include:
  • Courts and the Judiciary - September 21 on financial crimes against the elderly, October 5 on requests for new courts or judicial officers
  • Education - August 30 on eligibility of Dreamers to pay the IN resident tuition rate at a state educational institution, September 28, October 25
  • Employment and Labor - September 12 on the Dept. of Workforce Development and the unemployment compensation system
  • Fiscal Policy - September 18 on state sales tax on vending machine items, state tax on transient residential housing rented or furnished for consideration and state tax imposed and collected from a facilitator as a retail merchant making a retail transaction; September 25 on neighborhood enhancement property tax relief program, TIF issues and uniform property tax assessment of nonprofit entities; October 2 on school district financial analysis and annual tax incentive evaluation
  • Government - September 6 on food deserts in Indiana; October 4
  • Joint Cmte on Judiciary and Public Policy - September 7 on repeal of requirement to obtain a license to carry a handgun in Indiana and reduction of firearms violence; October 12 continued discussion on previous topics and increasing the number of law enforcement officers employed by local government units
Income Priority Area Learn more about SNAP retailers in Indiana
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides assistance to help low-income families and individuals afford a basic diet.  Across the country, more than 260,000 retailers have been approved by the federal government to accept SNAP benefit purchases. SNAP boosts local economies through this public-private partnership and the retailer data highlights the important role that retailers play in every state. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities provides a database that provides a list of SNAP retailers in your community down to the congressional district level.  

View the interactive map to learn more about the 5,256 SNAP retailers in Indiana.  The number of SNAP retailers ranges from 697 in district seven which includes Indianapolis to 508 in district five which includes Zionsville, Anderson and Marion.  
Charitable Sector Priority Area Staying out of trouble with your charity gaming events Bingo Cards
Many nonprofit organizations operate raffles, gaming nights or other types of events that involve a game of chance.  The Indiana Gaming Commission regulates charity gaming.  With planning for fall fundraisers, now is the time to review the rules and apply for the correct license.  See types of licenses or FAQ.  Note that an organization may be exempt ONLY if the value of all the prizes does not exceed $1,000 for a single event and not more than $3,000 in a calendar year.  If exempt, the nonprofit still must submit and Exempt Event Notification form, meet other charitable gaming requirements and maintain financial records.  A 2015 law allows alcohol to be included as a prize or as part of an auction.  

Here are a few tips if your organization wants to run an event (and does not qualify as exempt):
  1. The first step is to submit the Qualification Application as a bona fide organization eligible to run a charity gaming event.
  2. Apply for the correct type of license and submit proper application or renewal fees.
  3. Be sure to apply approximately 120 business days in advance. (Note that the exempt notification form requires about 21 business days.)
  4. Make sure your operators and workers meet the requirements and follow law and rules.
  5. Maintain financial records according to rules.
  6. Submit reports as required.
At the Statehouse - Take Action
Weigh in on issues important to you!
Submitting comments during rulemaking periods is an important way to shape policy.  State and federal agencies appreciate specific comments about possible impacts and ways to improve proposed rules.  Below are a few open comment periods in Indiana.
  • FSSA Division of Aging  is accepting public comment on a proposed renewal to the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) waiver and an updated version of the TBI waiver-specific Statewide Transition Plan (STP) to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for consideration.  Learn more about commenting before the September 15 deadline.
At the Statehouse
IUW Public Policy 
IUW is a nonpartisan organization that works to advance policy principles and compromise solutions for the common good. Our policy priorities are developed and guided by our Public Policy Committee and our members, based on their programmatic work in Hoosier communities.
  • Education, so that children are prepared for and succeed in school;
  • Income/Financial Stability, so that individuals and families may achieve and sustain financial stability;
  • Health, so that individuals may access quality healthcare; and 
  • Strong Communities, where a statewide 2-1-1 network and a strong charitable sector help communities thrive.
Review our  public policy documents , including fact sheets, testimony and bill summaries. 
Frequently Requested Links / Documents
  
 iuw.org  - Learn about Indiana United Ways, current trainings and conferences and the ways we support local United Ways/Funds, partners and communities.

 IUW 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.

IUW 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.

Funding and Other Opportunities  -  Explore current requests for proposals, funding and recognition opportunities.

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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