Governor Holcomb delivers State of the State Address
Governor Eric J. Holcomb addressed a joint convention of the Indiana General Assembly on Tuesday as he delivered his 2023 State of the State Address. Gov. Holcomb focused on three key goals: securing Indiana’s place in the economy of the future, transforming the delivery of public health across the state, and making unprecedented investments in the classroom from pre-k through college and adult learning.
“I intend to work even harder over the next two years than I have at any other time to continue to improve our prospects for every single person who calls Indiana home. After all, I believe in this state and our people,” Gov. Holcomb said.
Gov. Holcomb announced, through the Next Level Trails program, the acquisition of the Monon South abandoned rail corridor through Floyd, Clark, Washington, Orange, and Lawrence counties to be transformed into a recreational trail. Once completed, the trail will be 62.3 miles long, making it the longest contiguous multi-use trail in the state.
To enhance the delivery of public health services across rural, urban and suburban Indiana, Gov. Holcomb is requesting a significant increase in the state’s public-health appropriation, which was recommended by the Governor’s Public Health Commission. The funds will empower communities to design and implement local initiatives that will address their unique needs.
As further support of the governor’s commitment to creating a brighter future for Hoosiers, he continues to seek unprecedented investment in education. Gov. Holcomb will request the state’s largest-ever investment in K-12 tuition support at an increase of more than $1.1 billion to give schools the resources to reward educators. He is working to deliver the state constitution’s promise of a free public education by seeking to prohibit textbook and curriculum fees paid by Hoosier parents. The governor will increase tuition support for higher education and dedicate funds to adult learning opportunities to provide all citizens the tools they need to succeed from childhood to adulthood.
“I am asking the legislature to support a $184 million increase in higher education funding and support the Commission for Higher Education’s proposal to reward our world-class universities for keeping their graduates in careers in our state,” Gov. Holcomb said. “After all, Indiana’s college campuses need to be the epicenters of brain gain and not brain drain.”
Gov. Holcomb also called for major investments to increase school safety grants by 30%, raise starting pay for Indiana State Police to $70,000 per year, and provide funds for firefighter training and protective equipment.
Grant Funding Available to Nonprofits, Community Organizations, and Small Businesses
The City of Bloomington’s Department of Economic and Sustainable Development is providing grant funding of up to $25,000 and technical assistance for organizations and small businesses to improve building efficiency and install solar through the 2023 Solar, Energy Efficiency, & Lighting (SEEL) Program. Nonprofits, community organizations, and small businesses are invited to apply beginning January 18.
Nonprofit organizations, schools, early childhood centers, libraries, healthcare facilities, grocery stores, and small businesses with under 500 full-time employees that own at least one facility that is at least 3,000 square feet within city limits are eligible to participate. If an organization rents its facility, the organization is eligible to participate with permission to participate in the program from the property owner.
The SEEL program will offer two grant tracks for applicants in 2023- energy efficiency or solar grants. The energy efficiency grant track will provide matching grants of $10,000 for energy efficiency upgrades, as well as sponsor the cost of an energy assessment (valued at $3,000) to be performed by IFF. Eligible projects for energy efficiency grant funding include LED conversion or upgrades, ventilation and cooling upgrades (including HVAC), and water heater upgrades. Organizations completing solar projects will receive a solar feasibility assessment from the SEEL program partner, MPI Solar, and a $25,000 grant for an 8 kW minimum solar system installation or addition.
Any remaining energy efficiency or solar project costs can either be covered by capital from the organization or financed through low-interest loans from IFF or Hoosier Hills Credit Union. Connections to additional financing options can be secured through CDFI Friendly Bloomington if needed. Additional rebates and tax incentives, including federal and state tax credits and incentives, are also available.
Organizations are invited to apply for participation in the SEEL program beginning January 18. Twenty energy efficiency and twenty solar grants will be available through the 2023 program, with application forms accepted on a rolling basis until the cohort application deadlines. Past participants in the SEEL program are encouraged to apply.
Prospective funding applicants to the SEEL program are invited to learn more by attending a hybrid information session on January 18 at 12 pm via Zoom or at City Hall in the McCloskey Conference Room. Register for the information session at: https://bton.in/rCV6a. More information about the program and the application form link is available at bloomington.in.gov/sustainability/seel. Questions about the program should be directed to sustain@bloomington.in.gov. The 2023 program is a collaboration among the City of Bloomington Department of Economic and Sustainable Development, MPI Solar, IFF, and Hoosier Hills Credit Union.
May honors former Lawrence County Sheriff with Circle of Corydon Award
State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) recently honored former Lawrence County Sheriff Mike Branham with the Circle of Corydon Award.
Branham served with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department for more than 30 years in numerous roles, including corrections officer, reserve deputy, 911 dispatcher and supervisor, patrol deputy, detective and detective sergeant, and chief deputy. He served as sheriff from 2015 to 2022. Branham also served 12 years on the Lawrence County Council, and currently serves as chair of the Lawrence County School Safety Commission and vice president on the Lawrence County Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors.
The Circle of Corydon Award was established by the governor in 2017 to recognize Hoosiers who have made remarkable contributions to the betterment of Indiana and its people, demonstrating through life and service qualities exemplified by the state’s greatest citizens. This is the only award issued and signed jointly by members of both the executive and legislative branches.
This Week in Hoosier History
1895 – Indiana attorney Helen Gougar was admitted to the Tippecanoe County Bar. On the same day, she argued before the Tippecanoe County Superior Court that the Indiana Constitution did not specifically prohibit women from voting. The Court ruled against her, and she later appealed to the Indiana Supreme Court.
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