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Local, state, and federal highlights in this week’s memo include:
- Indiana Ends Fiscal Year with $6 Billion in Reserves
- $57M in Grants Awarded to Indiana Schools
- Indiana Political Landscape More Clear as November Elections Draw Near
- Governor Holcomb Walks Back on Abortion Comments
- $100M Coming to Indiana for EV Charging Stations
- Representative Porter Calls for $50 million Aid to School Safety
- Indiana ILEARN Scores Fall Short of Pre-Pandemic Levels
- Indiana’s Business Ranking Climbs
- David Redden Appointed as New Indiana Labor Commissioner
- Indiana Asks Supreme Court Fast-Track Abortion Order
- FSSA Announces Updates on Mental Health Partnerships
- Government Jobs Lagging in Tight Labor Market
- Biden Administration Sends Letter to Healthcare Providers on Abortion Issue
- Gender Gap Index Shows Women Falling Behind
- U.S. Department of Education Proposes New Student Loan Formula
- Important Dates
Indiana Ends Fiscal Year with $6 Billion in Reserves
What’s new: Indiana came in with just over a $6 billion surplus for the fiscal year.
By the numbers: The state collected more than $8.1 billion in income taxes and nearly $10 billion in sales tax for the fiscal year. Of the $6.1 billion in cash reserves, $2.5 billion will be distributed to the pre-1996 state teachers’ pension fund. Overall, state revenues exceeded the December 2021 forecast by 9.2 percent.
What they’re saying: Governor Eric Holcomb released a statement saying “Indiana’s economy is growing at an unprecedented rate due to the lowest unemployment rate in state history, higher-than-expected income tax revenues and growing our state’s GDP at a faster rate than the national average while meeting the essential needs of Hoosiers. I have called a special session to return $1 billion to taxpayers because it can’t wait until next year as we all face rising inflation costs.”
The bottom line: Indiana lawmakers will convene July 25 to consider Holcomb’s proposal to send $1 billion back to Hoosiers in the form of $225 refund checks. Some lawmakers don’t believe checks are enough, and are calling for relief from other sources.
$57M in Grants Awarded to Indiana Schools
What’s new: Dozens of Indiana schools and organizations will receive funding from a $57 million federal grant awarded to the state aimed at better preparing students for their careers.
The details:
- Ivy Tech has received $1.1 million in grants to launch several new career-focused programs in 12 school districts.
- That includes virtual reality programming for K-8 students, giving them a close look at different careers, she added.
Ivy Tech is among nearly 100 schools and organizations awarded grants meant to expand career programs and college course offering to Indiana students. The grants are distributed by the state and paid for with federal COVID relief dollars.
What they're saying:
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Rebecca Rahschulte, Vice President of K-14 initiatives at Ivy Tech Community College said in a statement, “it’s that early exposure for students to be able to identify what pathways they want to pursue”
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Holly Lawson is the Deputy Director of Communications for the Indiana Department of Education and said the goals behind the grants “is to help more students choose a career path early, which could allow them to start earning college credit or another credential while in high school.” (Fox59)
Indiana Political Landscape More Clear as November Elections Draw Near
What’s new:
- Republicans have clinched a state Senate majority, four months before a single ballot is cast. Eight Republican Senators will be unopposed for reelection. Democrats filled four ballot vacancies ahead of Tuesday’s deadline, but even if they run the table in the November election, that would leave them with 24 seats, extending the Republican majority the party has held for 44 years.
- House Republicans currently hold a super majority. Nearly half the 100 seats will be uncontested in November, with 29 Republicans and 13 Democrats assured of victory. Two more Republicans have write-in challengers but no opponents on the ballot, and one legislator in each party will have a one-on-one matchup with a Libertarian nominee. Democrats filled a dozen ballot vacancies for House races, while Republicans recruited two last-minute candidates of their own.
What's next: There are a few steps before finalizing the November ballot. While Libertarians can get on the ballot automatically, other third parties must gather petition signatures. After that deadline, the Indiana Election Commission must decide any challenges to candidates’ eligibility. (WIBC)
Governor Holcomb Walks Back on Abortion Comments
In a previous statement by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, he said he had ‘no red-lines’ when it comes to legislation regarding abortion restrictions in Indiana. Holcomb has since walked back on that comment, saying he did not mean ‘anything goes’ and went on to say that he has not laid out any ultimatums.
What they’re saying: When pressured to reveal his stance on abortion, Holcomb said “I am comfortable saying that I want to make progress to protect innocent life. And I will continue to be. That’s just who I am. I’ve stated in the past when I reviewed bills that made it through the process, I checked my conscience. I’m not going to veer from that.”
Holcomb only said he hopes the legislature will consider boosting support for the state’s social systems, which are expected to be in increased demand if abortion is banned in Indiana.
“We have programs that are in dire need of more resources, including funding,” he said.
State of play: Legislation regarding abortion issues for the special session has not been made public at this time. (IBJ)
$100M coming to Indiana for EV Charging Stations
What’s new: In a meeting on Wednesday evening, state officials and private partners presented what would be first-steps in creating a statewide network of electric vehicle charging stations.
Why it matters: Indiana would receive almost $100 million in federal funding with an explicit push to prioritize adding charging stations for disadvantaged communities and rural areas. State officials expect the monies over a period of five years through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed in 2021.
The details of the plan include closing 50-mile gaps along the alternative fuel corridors, providing service in high-demand areas, providing service in disadvantaged/ rural communities and leveraging existing access to utility service.
What’s next:
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The state must submit an implementation plan to the feds by August 1st. Public comment on the unreleased draft plan will open on July 20 at in.gov/indot.
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After approval, the state can continue to develop the contract plan and find potential site owners. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Representative Porter Calls for $50 Million Aid to School Safety
What’s new: Representative Gregory Porter, D-Indianapolis, is calling for $50 million to be put into the Secure School Safety Grant.
Why it matters: The Secured School Safety Grant program is a nine-year-old program that helps schools pay for a threat assessment or resource officer, among other things.
What they’re saying: “Given the recent uptick in school massacres like the tragedy in Uvalde, I think we can all agree that we need to invest in our kids’ safety while they’re at school,” Porter said. “From physical security upgrades to funding our student mental health counseling, this American Rescue Plan funding could make a big difference to Indiana schools. We need to put it to good use as quickly as possible.”
State of play: The state still has $190 million of its American Rescue Plan funds available and Porter wants to put over a quarter of it into Indian schools. (The Statehouse File)
Indiana ILEARN Scores Fall Short of Pre-Pandemic Levels
What’s new: Last Wednesday, the 2022 Indiana Learning Evaluation Assessment Readiness Network (ILEARN) scores were released and showed a slight uptick from 2021 - although scores were still below pre-pandemic 2019 ILEARN results.
Why it matters: ILEARN scores are the summative accountability assessment for Indiana students in grades 3 through 8 and high school biology. The assessment provides school leaders with measurements on how students are progressing throughout critical times in their development. The assessment done this year helps gauge how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted students.
What they’re saying: Chief Academic Officer for the Indiana Department of Education, Charity Flores, told the Indiana State Board of Education on Wednesday that “while student learning has generally stabilized with normal rates of growth, the levels of acceleration needed to recover from the pandemic are not there.” She went on to say that “the pandemic had varying levels of impact on students, and this is year two of a recovery that could take three to five years.”
The bottom line: According to Indiana Secretary of Education, Katie Jenner, the state needs to "triple down" to make sure all kids can read.
Indiana's Business Ranking Climbs
What's new: A new list created by CNBC shows Indiana's ranking among the best states to do business has improved five spots over last year.
By the numbers: Indiana is ranked #14 in America’s Top States for Business for 2022. Indiana scored high in a number of areas that make up the ranking:
- Infrastructure: A+
- Cost of Doing Business: A+
- Economy: B
- Cost of Living: A-
Areas that impacted Indiana's rating and received lower scores included:
- Workforce: D-
- Life, Health & Inclusion: F
- Education: C-
- Technology and Innovation: C+
(CNBC)
David Redden Appointed as New Indiana Labor Commissioner
What's new: Governor Holcomb announced on Wednesday that he has selected David Redden as the new Commissioner for the Indiana Department of Labor.
What they’re saying: Holcomb said at the press conference, “David brings a great deal of experience in managing workers and workplaces across Indiana. He will continue the steady leadership of the Department of Labor in its work to enforce the laws around workplace safety, wage and youth employment.”
Some background: Redden has decades of experience overseeing human resources and overall management of convenience stores and supermarkets.
- From 1996 to 2015, he was the senior vice president of human resources for Marsh Supermarkets in Indianapolis.
- Before that, he held roles including general manager, vice president of warehousing and transportation, and vice president of personnel at Marsh.
- He has also served as the president of Village Pantries.
What's next: Redden will replace Joe Hoage and begin his tenure as Commissioner on July 25.
Indiana Asks Supreme Court Fast-Track Abortion Order
What's New: On Thursday, Indiana asked the Supreme Court to let it enforce a law that would stiffen parental notice requirements in cases wher a minor seeks an abortion.
Why it matters: The law at issue has been blocked since 2017 by lower courts that relied on Roe v. Wade and related precedents. With Roe’s overruling last month, however, Indiana is now asking the justices to fast-track an order to lower courts to clear the way for the law to become effective immediately.
What’s next: Chief Justice John Roberts, who is handling the emergency request, asked the defendants, Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky, to respond by Friday.
The bottom line: Indiana is tacking abortion issues from a lot of angles, and abortion restrictions will continue to be a topic of discussion when the Indiana General Assembly convenes for the special session on July 25. (The Hill)
FSSA Announces Updates on Mental Health Partnerships
What’s new: A new three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Line, 988, went live this past Saturday, July 16. The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration provided updates on the state’s efforts to address the mental health crisis Thursday, including new funding for pediatric mental health.
By the numbers:
- FSSA announced an $8 million partnership between the state and Riley Children’s Health, which includes $4 million in matching funds from Riley. The funds will help provide mental health services at pediatric primary care offices.
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The agency also provided updates on additional funds and programs to increase the mental health workforce and access to care. The most funding comes from the Community Catalyst Grants program: $54.8 million, which includes $22.3 million of local and grantee match dollars and $32.5 million in federal funds.
What they’re saying:
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Christopher Drapeau, Executive Director of suicide prevention for the state’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction services, talked about the partnerships across the state for mental health call centers, saying “Through expanding capacity, adding additional centers, and also strengthening these partnerships, we believe we’ll increase the likelihood that whoever is in crisis that reaches 988 will be routed to the right entity, at the right time.”
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Riley Children’s Health President, Gil Peri, spoke on the $8 million partnership with FSSA saying “We're excited to be able to bring behavioral health professionals to where pediatricians need us, where family medicine physicians who see kids need the expertise that they don't have within their four walls.”
Government Jobs Lagging in Tight Labor Market
What’s new: While private-sector jobs have surpassed their pre-pandemic level, the public sector is struggling to bring back workers - 664,000 fewer people are employed in the public sector.
Why it matters: Much like most other industries, government jobs are competing in a tight labor market, and they typically cannot offer some of the benefits their private sector competitors can, like higher salaries and flexible work schedules.
What’s next: Some states are taking measures to alleviate shortages.
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A new Arizona law allows schools to hire teachers before they've earned their college degree. Almost a third of teaching positions were vacant in January.
Biden Administration Sends Letter to Healthcare Providers on Abortion Issue
What’s new: The Biden administration released a ‘reminder’ this past Monday that a federal law protects them if they provide abortion services to save a patient’s life or health in emergency situations — regardless of what state laws say.
What they’re saying: Xavier Becerra, Secretary of U.S. Health and Human Services wrote a letter saying that the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act protects health care providers who determine their patient needs a stabilizing treatment to address a range of diagnoses.
“Today, in no uncertain terms, we are reinforcing that we expect providers to continue offering these services, and that federal law preempts state abortion bans when needed for emergency care. Protecting both patients and providers is a top priority, particularly in this moment.”
State of play: The HHS letter comes three days after President Biden signed an executive order that sought to ensure medication abortion, which is Food and Drug Administration approved through 10 weeks into a pregnancy, and out-of-state travel to access abortion remains legal throughout the country.
Yes, but: Several states, including Indiana, have yet to pass post-Roe abortion laws. Indiana is one of the states that will be coming in for a special session to pass such legislation on July 25. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Gender Gap Index Shows Women Falling Behind
The World Economic Forum’s recently released global gender gap index shows that women around the world haven’t recovered from the economic blow of the COVID-19 pandemic.
By the numbers:
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According to the report, it will now take 132 years for women to reach gender parity worldwide — a slight improvement from 2021. Before the pandemic, the number was 100 years, according to the report's projections.
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The U.S. ranked 27th on the list, up three places from last year — but just one place up from where it stood in 2015.
State of play: The halt in progress comes at a time of upheaval for the global economy, with higher inflation, recession talk, and a big reshuffling of the way some markets and businesses operate. (Axios)
Important Dates
Monday, July 25th - Sunday, August 14th @ TBD - Special Session
Wednesday, July 27th @ 10am - Medicaid Advisory Committee Meeting
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