Indiana Legislature set to support employee rights bill
The Indiana State Legislature has submitted a proposal to Governor Eric Holcomb to enforce businesses to support workers’ rights through the granting of COVID-19 vaccination requirement exemptions, and student rights by blocking similar recent state university mandates. The proposal includes the steps Governor Holcomb has stated are his precursors to ending the State’s Health Emergency Order, which expires on December 1st.
Those stipulations include allowing the state to keep receiving enhanced Federal funding for Medicaid expenses and Food Assistance, and allowing the Indiana Health Commissioner to issue a standing Order allowing Pharmacists to administer COVID-19 vaccinations for children ages 5 to 11.
The employee rights proposal includes exemptions to Coronavirus vaccination rules for medical and religious reasons as well as for those who have already acquired natural immunity from Covid-19. Under the proposal, businesses or schools may require up to weekly virus testing which the company must pay for.
The bill will hold public hearing today, with voting in the House of Representatives and in the Senate on Monday, November 30th.
Indiana State Police increasing patrols to promote safe Thanksgiving travel
This Thanksgiving, travel is expected to rebound to nearly pre-pandemic levels, although Indiana State Police advise that heavier traffic and the prevalence of impaired driving, makes this travel period particularly dangerous for road users. In response, the ISP is joining hundreds of law enforcement agencies across the state for the Safe Family Travel campaign. Over the next six weeks, officers will be out in greater numbers to discourage impaired driving and ensure drivers and passengers are properly buckled. The high-visibility patrols are funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration through the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, and will concentrate around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. With one of the busiest travel periods still ahead, officers will be working to reverse this trend by focusing on impaired and unrestrained driving, two of the main causes behind the rise in fatalities.
The Indiana State Police reminds motorists that most traffic fatalities can be prevented by taking some simple precautions: never drive impaired, always wear a seat belt, follow posted speed limits, and avoid distractions. ISP recommends that before consuming alcohol, plan a sober ride home, such as a designated driver or using a ride service or public transportation. Motorists are encouraged to call 911 if they encounter an impaired or unsafe driver on the road.
Also, always have an emergency kit in the vehicle with food, water, a phone charger, sand or cat litter, flares or bright LED alternatives, a flashlight, and blankets. Keep the vehicle full of gas, and make sure the battery is strong, fluids are at the correct levels and the spare tire is properly inflated.
Bloomington offers free Downtown parking opportunities
Throughout the month of December, Saturday parking in the City’s public garages at Morton Street, Walnut Street, 4th Street, and the Trades District will be offered free of charge. Additionally, garage parking will be free Friday, December 24th; Friday, December 31st; and, Saturday, January 1st. Parking in City of Bloomington garages and on the street is free each Sunday. On-street parking is free on the following City holidays and additional dates during the upcoming season:
- Thursday, November 25th
- Friday, November 26th
- Saturday, November 27th
- Friday, December 24th
- Saturday, December 25th
- Saturday, January 1, 2022
- Monday, January 3, 2022
This Week in Hoosier History
1941 – A crowd of over 10,000 witnessed the launching of the new battleship USS Indiana at Newport News, Virginia. The ceremony included speeches by Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox and Indiana Governor Henry Schricker. Music was provided by the Shortridge High School band. The USS Indiana saw extensive action in the Pacific Theater in World War II.
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