Indiana Emergency Order Extended . . . again
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb extended the statewide public health emergency, making this the 21st consecutive month of extensions. The new order is effective until January 1, 2022. The State Legislature was interested in tracking action on this matter last month, however, they called off their proposal in order to weigh some of the feedback provided during a long day of public comment. The Legislature is expected to put together a bill to protect worker’s rights in regards to recent Covid-related mandates, once they reconvene in mid-January. With the continued Order from Governor Holcomb, come additional Federal funding, including $175 Million in anticipated Medicaid dollars.
Chamber of Commerce commences Spoonmore era
Eric Spoonmore took the helm of the Greater Chamber of Commerce yesterday as their newly hired President & CEO. Spoonmore will lead the staff of 13, which includes an array of specialized interns, part-time, and full-time team members. Spoonmore has extensive experience within the community, having worked at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business for several years in addition to serving as the President of the Monroe County Council.
The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit organization whose mission is to provide leadership through member engagement, business advocacy, and civic partnerships to strengthen the community and business environment. The Bloomington chapter has been active since 1915.
Indianapolis FOP working to reduce violent crime
The President of the Indianapolis Fraternal Order of the Police is seeking action to help reduce record breaking violence in the city of Indianapolis. In a year that has seen 249 homicides, to date, the FOP is hoping for new legislation to make it harder for violent suspects to get out of jail. They suggest creation of laws which stop automatic bond for repeat offenders, and one which mandates Judges to review probable cause affidavits when determining a bond amount. Indianapolis FOP President Rick Snyder will be working with State Representatives to propose a bill to help with the matter, if the City of Indianapolis will not step forward; even though doing such would impact the entire state.
This Week in Hoosier History
1971 – The Indiana State Highway Commission reported that nearly 82 percent of the planned interstate system in the state was open to traffic. Five interstates were completed, including the I-465 belt around Indianapolis, I-80, I-90, I-74, and I-69 from Castleton to Michigan. I-65 was expected to be open to Taylorsville within the next six months.
For more local news . . .
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