Posts in category: Advocacy

Welcome to the 1si Advocacy Update!  Every Wednesday while the General Assembly is in session, you will receive an update of 1si’s advocacy efforts. If you missed any of our previous updates from this session, please click here. 

 The Indiana General Assembly is nearing the end of session as the Sine Die date is April 29. Conference Committees started last week and will wrap over this week and the next week.  

 Bills that passed both chambers without amendments go straight to the Governor for consideration. However, bills that were amended in the other chamber will return to their chamber of origin. Bill authors have the option to concur or approve the amended bill, which would then move to the governor’s desk following an affirmative vote from the chamber of origin.  

 Bill authors also have the option to dissent, or disagree, which sends the bill to a conference committee. This process includes representatives from each Chamber working to resolve differences within approved bills from each chamber. If a compromise is reached, the final version must be approved by both chambers before heading to the Governor’s desk for signature.  

Key dates:  

• February 27 – last day for 3rd reading of House bills in House 
• February 28 – last day for 3rd reading of Senate bills in Senate 
• April 17 – last day for 3rd reading of Senate bills in House 
• April 18 – last day for 3rd reading of House bills in Senate 
• April 19-27 – Conference Committees 
• April 27 – Anticipated Final Day of Session 
• April 29 – Statutory Sine Die 

 As a reminder, our 2023 Call to Action includes talent attraction and retention which has four main concerns: Quality of Place, Housing Growth, Availability of Childcare, and Enhance Healthy Lifestyles.  

 Bills on which 1si is taking a position (Updates as of Tuesday morning): 

 Supporting: 

• HB 1005: Establishes the residential housing infrastructure assistance program and residential housing infrastructure assistance revolving fund. 

• • Passed House 91-6. 
  • Passed Senate 32-16. 
  • House concurred – Sent to Governor for signature 

1si’s second Call to Action is to “develop new and enhanced tools to build and maintain infrastructure in support of housing growth.” 1si is in support as this bill provides a tool for local communities to meet the needs of housing shortages and prepare for future housing growth.  

•  HB 1160: Creates funding for workforce training program and fund.   
  • Passed House 92-0.   
  • Passed Senate 49-0.  
  • House dissented – Assigned to Conference Committee 

 One of 1si’s 2023 Priorities is “Meeting Workforce Demands.” 1si is in support as this bill would increase access to and fund workforce training and education programs for career support. As workforce shortages are a need for our businesses in Southern Indiana and throughout the State, this bill provides a tool to help booster the pipeline of potential individuals to be trained to enter or reenter the workforce.  

•  SB 414: Provides alternative solutions to residential onsite sewage system fails. 
  • Passed Senate 44-5. 
  • Passed House 62-31. 
  • Senate dissented – Assigned to Conference Committee 

 1si’s second Call to Action is to “develop new and enhanced tools to build and maintain infrastructure in support of housing growth.” 1si is in support as this bill would establish an alternative for homeowners needing to replace and upgrade their septic systems so that their houses can remain viable. This bill provides homeowners with a tool to build and maintain infrastructure to support existing homes that may be deemed unlivable without these upgrades. 

•  SB 35: Requires students to take a financial literacy course.  
  • Passed Senate 47-2.  
  • Passed House 88-1.  
  • Senate concurred – Sent to Governor for signature 

 One of 1si’s Governing Principles is “Career-Ready Workforce and Educational Initiatives.” 1si is in support as this bill requires an individual to successfully complete a personal financial responsibility course before the individual may graduate and creates requirements for content that must be covered in a personal financial responsibility course. 

•  HB 1046: Provides that a military base reuse authority (such as River Ridge) is qualified to receive funds for an eligible project from the local road and bridge matching grant fund. 
  • Passed House 90-3. 
  • Passed Senate 37-13. 
  • House dissented – Assigned to Conference Committee 

 One of 1si’s 2023 Priorities is “Infrastructure and Housing.” “This is the time to assist communities in building and maintaining roads and bridges…which are essential economic growth strategies for Southern Indiana.” 1si is in support as this bill would allow River Ridge and other military base reuse authorities to apply for a grant fund to support road or bridge projects.  

•  HB 1449: Amends the twenty-first-century scholars program eligibility requirements for certain students and auto enrolls those students but students may opt-out. 
  • Passed House 92-1.  
  • Passed Senate 48-0.  
  • House concurred – Sent to Governor for signature 

 One of 1si’s Governing Principles is “Career-Ready Workforce and Educational Initiatives.” 1si is in support as this bill provides a tool for low-income students to increase their opportunity for attainment of bachelor’s and associate degrees. The twenty-first-century scholar program provides a scholarship for low-income students to attend a State Institution and maintain a “good student” status academically.  

•  SB 202: Creates a taskforce to study the need for various housing matters. 
  • Passed Senate 37-9.  
  • In House Rules and Legislative Procedures Committee.  
  • Died in House. 

 1si’s second Call to Action is to “develop new and enhanced tools to build and maintain infrastructure in support of housing growth.” 1si is in support as this bill urges a housing study be completed to address the needs of quality housing options. Having a variety of quality housing is vital to our communities’ and businesses’ abilities to attract talent.  

 Opposing: 

• HB 1278: Prohibits the Indiana economic development corporation, any other public authority, or any party negotiating on behalf of any of those entities (like 1si) from entering into a non-disclosure agreement designed to keep the details of the negotiation private until approval by a public body is warranted. 

• • Died in House.  

 One of 1si’s Governing Principles is “Sustainable Economic Growth” as 1si serves as the Lead Economic Development Organization for Clark, Floyd, and Scott Counties. 1si is in opposition as this bill prohibits the State, or any party negotiating on behalf of any public authority for economic development proposes from entering into nondisclosure agreements. This bill would eliminate a tool that is used frequently in economic development to help meet the needs of different businesses. If passed, this would give Indiana a disadvantage to surrounding States that use nondisclosure agreements.  

 Monitoring: 

• HB 1001: Appropriates the State budget. 

• • Passed House 66-29. 
  • Positive Budget Forecast released on April 19. 
  • Passed Senate 40-10.  
  • House dissented – Assigned to Conference Committee. 

• SB 317: Provides that a political subdivision may make advance payments to contractors to enable the contractors to purchase materials needed for a public works project of the political subdivision. 

• • Passed Senate 44-0. 
  • Passed House 89-1. 
  • Senate dissented – Assigned to Conference Committee 

• HB 1209: Allows the Indiana Destination Development Corporation to establish a foundation. 

• • Passed House 95-1. 
  • Passed Senate 49-0. 
  • House concurred – sent to Governor. 
  • Governor signed into law on 4/20/23. 

• SB 20: Allows a city/town to designate an outdoor location as a refreshment area with approval of the alcohol and tobacco commission.  

• • Passed Senate 39-10. 
  • Passed House 79-19. 
  • Senate dissented – sent to Conference Committee 

• SB 37 / HB1499: Sunsets any Food and Beverage Taxes except for Marion County, the surrounding Indianapolis counties, and Orange County (French Lick). Creates new requirements for future Food and Beverage Taxes.  

• • SB 37 Passed Senate 50-0. 
  • HB 1499 Passed House 94-1. 
  • Bills merged and assigned to Conference Committee 

• SB 390: Allows municipalities to apply to become commercial solar and wind energy ready communities.  

• • Passed Senate 36-12. 
  • Passed House 86-8.  
  • Senate concurred – sent to Governor  
  • Governor signed into Public Law 50 on 4/20/23 

• HB 1591: Expands access to childcare and pre-kindergarten programs.  

• • Passed House 94-0. 
  • Passed Senate 45-5. 
  • House dissented – Assigned to Conference Committee 

• SB 419: Creates state tax exempts and credits.  

• • Passed Senate 49-0.  
  • Passed House 96-2. 
  • Senate dissented – Assigned to Conference Committee 

• • • Amendments that have changed the bill from its original form focused on local TIF money and local Redevelopment Commissions.  

 We will keep you updated on our actions related to the 2023 Indiana Legislative Session, but for more information on our Advocacy Agenda, please visit www.1si.org/advocacy. 

Welcome to the 1si Advocacy Update!  Every Wednesday while the General Assembly is in session, you will receive an update of 1si’s advocacy efforts. If you missed any of our previous updates from this session, please click here.

The general assembly is starting to reach some important milestones as the Sine Die date is April 29. This week, we have reached the 3^rd reading deadlines for both the House and Senate. Conference Committees also start this week and will conclude no later than April 27. As you can see below, this session has flown by rather quickly!

Key dates:

·        February 27 – last day for 3^rd reading of House bills in House

·        February 28 – last day for 3^rd reading of Senate bills in Senate

·        April 17 – last day for 3^rd reading of Senate bills in House

·        April 18 – last day for 3^rd reading of House bills in Senate

·        April 19-27 – Conference Committees

·        April 27 – Anticipated Final Day of Session

·        April 29 – Statutory Sine Die

As a reminder, our 2023 Call to Action includes talent attraction and retention which has four main concerns: Quality of Place, Housing Growth, Availability of Childcare, and Enhance Healthy Lifestyles.

Bills on which 1si is taking a position:

Supporting:

·        HB 1005: Establishes the residential housing infrastructure assistance program and residential housing infrastructure assistance revolving fund.

o   Passed House 91-6.

o   Passed Senate 32-16.

1si’s second Call to Action is to “develop new and enhanced tools to build and maintain infrastructure in support of housing growth.” 1si is in support as this bill provides a tool for local communities to meet the needs of housing shortages and prepare for future housing growth.

·        HB 1160: Creates funding for workforce training program and fund.

o   Passed House 92-0.

o   Hearing on Senate Floor this week.

One of 1si’s 2023 Priorities is “Meeting Workforce Demands.” 1si is in support as this bill would increase access to and fund workforce training and education programs for career support. As workforce shortages are a need for our businesses in Southern Indiana and throughout the State, this bill provides a tool to help booster the pipeline of potential individuals to be trained to enter or reenter the workforce.

·        SB 414: Provides alternatives solutions to residential onsite sewage system fails.

o   Passed Senate 44-5.

o   Passed House 62-31.

1si’s second Call to Action is to “develop new and enhanced tools to build and maintain infrastructure in support of housing growth.” 1si is in support as this bill would establish an alternative for homeowners needing to replace and upgrade their septic systems so that their houses can remain viable. This bill provides homeowners with a tool to build and maintain infrastructure to support existing homes that may be deemed unlivable without these upgrades.

·        SB 35: Requires students to take a financial literacy course.

o   Passed Senate 47-2.

o   Passed House 88-1.

One of 1si’s Governing Principles is “Career-Ready Workforce and Educational Initiatives.” 1si is in support as this bill requires an individual to successfully complete a personal financial responsibility course before the individual may graduate and creates requirements for content that must be covered in a personal financial responsibility course.

·        HB 1046: Provides that a military base reuse authority (such as River Ridge) is qualified to receive funds for an eligible project from the local road and bridge matching grant fund.

o   Passed House 90-3.

o   Third reading on Senate Floor this week.

One of 1si’s 2023 Priorities is “Infrastructure and Housing.” “This is the time to assist communities in building and maintaining roads and bridges…which are essential economic growth strategies for Southern Indiana.” 1si is in support as this bill would allow River Ridge and other military base reuse authorities to apply for a grant fund to support road or bridge projects.

·        HB 1449: Amends the twenty-first century scholars program eligibility requirements for certain students and auto enrolls those students but students may opt-out.

o   Passed House 92-1.

o   Passed Senate 48-0.

One of 1si’s Governing Principles is “Career-Ready Workforce and Educational Initiatives.” 1si is in support as this bill provides a tool for low-income students to increase their opportunity for attainment of bachelor’s and associate degrees. The twenty-first century scholar program provides a scholarship for low-income students to attend a State Institution and maintain a “good student” status academically.

·        SB 202: Creates a taskforce to study the need for various housing matters.

o   Passed Senate 37-9.

o   Died.

1si’s second Call to Action is to “develop new and enhanced tools to build and maintain infrastructure in support of housing growth.” 1si is in support as this bill urges a housing study be completed to address the needs of quality housing options. Having a variety of quality housing is vital to our communities’ and businesses’ abilities to attract talent.

Opposing:

·        HB 1278: Prohibits the Indiana economic development corporation, any other public authority, or any party negotiating on behalf of any of those entities (like 1si) from entering into a non-disclosure agreement designed to keep the details of the negotiation private until approval by a public body is warranted.

o   Died in House.

One of 1si’s Governing Principles is “Sustainable Economic Growth” as 1si serves as the Lead Economic Development Organization for Clark, Floyd, and Scott Counties. 1si is in opposition as this bill prohibits the State, or any party negotiating on behalf of any public authority for economic development proposes from entering into nondisclosure agreements. This bill would eliminate a tool that is used frequently in economic development to help meet the needs of different businesses. If passed, this would give Indiana a disadvantage to surrounding States that use nondisclosure agreements.

Monitoring:

• HB 1001: Appropriates the State budget.

o   Passed House 66-29.

o   Third reading on Senate Floor this week.

o   The Budget Forecast will be released on April 19.

• SB 317: Provides that a political subdivision may make advance payments to contractors to enable the contractors to purchase materials needed for a public works project of the political subdivision.

o   Passed Senate 44-0.

o   Passed House 89-1.

• HB 1209: Allows the Indiana Destination Development Corporation to establish a foundation.

o   Passed House 95-1.

o   Passed Senate 49-0.

• SB 20: Allows a city/town to designate an outdoor location as a refreshment area with approval of the alcohol and tobacco commission.

o   Passed Senate 39-10.

o   Passed House 79-19.

• SB 37: Sunsets any Food and Beverage Taxes except for Marion County, the surrounding Indianapolis counties, and Orange County (French Lick). Creates new requirements for future Food and Beverage Taxes.

o   Passed Senate 50-0.

o   Died.

·        Language being added to HB 1499.

• SB 390: Allows municipalities to apply to become commercial solar and wind energy-ready communities.

o   Passed Senate 36-12.

o   Passed House 86-8.

• HB 1591: Expands access to childcare and pre-kindergarten programs.

o   Passed House 94-0.

o   Third reading on Senate Floor this week.

• SB 419: Creates state tax exempts and credits.

o   Passed Senate 49-0.

o   Passed House 96-2.

·        Amendments that have changed the bill from its original form focused on local TIF money and local Redevelopment Commissions.

We will keep you updated on our actions related to the 2023 Indiana Legislative Session, but for more information on our Advocacy Agenda, please visit www.1si.org/advocacy.

Welcome to the 1si Advocacy Update!  Every Wednesday while the General Assembly is in session, you will receive an update of 1si’s advocacy efforts. If you missed any of our previous updates from this session, please click here. 

 The general assembly is starting to reach some important milestones as the Sine Die date is April 29. The Weekly Advocacy Update will only have five to six more weeks of updates as we will follow bills that are signed into law and give a recap on the 1si efforts. Thank you to our avid readers, we appreciate your support! It is important to note that even outside of the session, there may be an advocacy update on future advocacy events.  

 As a reminder, our 2023 Call to Action includes talent attraction and retention which has four main concerns: Quality of Place, Housing Growth, Availability of Childcare, and Enhance Healthy Lifestyles.  

 Our Advocacy Leadership Team has acted on two bills this week with both being supported! As a reminder, our Advocacy Leadership Team meets every Monday morning to discuss any updates on bills from week to week. It is important to note that for any bill to have action taken, the Advocacy Leadership Team must come to a unanimous decision.  

 New to Support: 

• HB 1449: Amends the twenty-first-century scholars’ program eligibility requirements for certain students and auto enrolls those students but students may opt out. 

• Passed House 92-1.  
• Passed committees and is headed to Senate Floor.  

One of 1si’s Governing Principles is “Career-Ready Workforce and Educational Initiatives.” 1si is in support as this bill provides a tool for low-income students to increase their opportunity for attainment of bachelors and associate degrees. The twenty-first-century scholar program provides a scholarship for low-income students to attend a State Institution and maintain a “good student” status academically.  

 SB 202: Creates a taskforce to study the need for various housing matters. 

• Passed Senate 37-9.  
• In House Rules and Legislative Procedures Committee.  

1si’s second Call to Action is to “develop new and enhanced tools to build and maintain infrastructure in support of housing growth.” 1si is in support as this bill urges a housing study be completed to address the need of quality housing options. Having a variety of quality housing is vital to our communities’ and businesses’ abilities to attract talent.  

 Bills on which 1si is taking a position: 

 Supporting: 

• HB 1005: Establishes the residential housing infrastructure assistance program and residential housing infrastructure assistance revolving fund. 

• Passed House 91-6. 
• Passed Senate 32-16. 

1si’s second Call to Action is to “develop new and enhanced tools to build and maintain infrastructure in support of housing growth.” 1si is in support as this bill provides a tool for local communities to meet the needs of housing shortages and prepare for future housing growth.  

 HB 1160: Creates funding for workforce training program and fund.   

• Passed House 92-0.   
• Hearing on Senate Floor this week.  

One of 1si’s 2023 Priorities is “Meeting Workforce Demands.” 1si is in support as this bill would increase access to and fund workforce training and education programs for career support. As workforce shortages are a need for our businesses in Southern Indiana and throughout the State, this bill provides a tool to help boost the pipeline of potential individuals to be trained to enter or reenter the workforce.  

 SB 414: Provides alternative solutions to residential onsite sewage system fails. 

• Passed Senate 44-5. 
• Passed House 62-31. 

1si’s second Call to Action is to “develop new and enhanced tools to build and maintain infrastructure in support of housing growth.” 1si is in support as this bill would establish an alternative for homeowners needing to replace and upgrade their septic systems so that their houses can remain viable. This bill provides homeowners with a tool to build and maintain infrastructure to support existing homes that may be deemed unlivable without these upgrades. 

 SB 35: Requires students to take a financial literacy course.  

• Passed Senate 47-2.  
• Passed House 88-1.  

One of 1si’s Governing Principles is “Career-Ready Workforce and Educational Initiatives.” 1si is in support as this bill requires an individual to successfully complete a personal financial responsibility course before the individual may graduate and creates requirements for content that must be covered in a personal financial responsibility course. 

 HB 1046: Provides that a military base reuse authority (such as River Ridge) is qualified to receive funds for an eligible project from the local road and bridge matching grant fund. 

• Passed House 90-3. 
• Hearing on Senate Floor this week.  

One of 1si’s 2023 Priorities is “Infrastructure and Housing.” “This is the time to assist communities in building and maintaining roads and bridges…which are essential economic growth strategies for Southern Indiana.” 1si is in support as this bill would allow River Ridge and other military base reuse authorities to apply for a grant fund to support road or bridge projects.  

 Opposing: 

• HB 1278: Prohibits the Indiana economic development corporation, any other public authority, or any party negotiating on behalf of any of those entities (like 1si) from entering into a non-disclosure agreement designed to keep the details of the negotiation private until approval by a public body is warranted. 

• Died in House.  

One of 1si’s Governing Principles is “Sustainable Economic Growth” as 1si serves as the Lead Economic Development Organization for Clark, Floyd, and Scott Counties. 1si is in opposition as this bill prohibits the State, or any party negotiating on behalf of any public authority for economic development proposes from entering into nondisclosure agreements. This bill would eliminate a tool that is used frequently in economic development to help meet the needs of different businesses. If passed, this would give Indiana a disadvantage to surrounding States that use nondisclosure agreements.  

 Monitoring: 

• HB 1001: Appropriates the State budget. 

• Passed House 66-29. 
• In Senate Appropriations Committee.  
• The Budget Forecast will be released on April 19.  

• SB 317: Provides that a political subdivision may make advance payments to contractors to enable the contractors to purchase materials needed for a public works project of the political subdivision. 

• Passed Senate 44-0. 
• Passed House 89-1. 

• HB 1209: Allows the Indiana Destination Development Corporation to establish a foundation. 

• Passed House 95-1. 
• Passed Senate 49-0. 

• SB 20: Allows a city/town to designate an outdoor location as a refreshment area with approval of the alcohol and tobacco commission.  

• Passed Senate 39-10. 
• Hearing on House Floor this week.  

• SB 37: Sunsets any Food and Beverage Taxes except for Marion County, the surrounding Indianapolis counties, and Orange County (French Lick). Creates new requirements for future Food and Beverage Taxes.  

• Passed Senate 50-0. 
• In House Ways and Means Committee.  

• SB 390: Allows municipalities to apply to become commercial solar and wind energy-ready communities.  

• Passed Senate 36-12. 
• Passed House 86-8.  

• HB 1591: Expands access to childcare and pre-kindergarten programs.  

• Passed House 94-0. 
• Hearing on Senate Floor this week.  

• SB 419: Creates state tax exempts and credits.  

• Passed Senate 49-0.  
• Hearing on House Floor this week.  

• Amendments that have changed the bill from its original form focused on local TIF money and local Redevelopment Commissions.  

We will keep you updated on our actions related to the 2023 Indiana Legislative Session, but for more information on our Advocacy Agenda, please visit www.1si.org/advocacy.

Welcome to the 1si Advocacy Update!  Every Wednesday while the General Assembly is in session, you will receive an update of 1si’s advocacy efforts. If you missed any of our previous updates from this session, please click here. 

Thank you to everyone that attended our Luncheon with Congresswoman Erin Houchin yesterday – it was a packed event! 

Our sponsors make these efforts possible, and want to give shout outs to MAC Construction as the Presenting Sponsor, Baptist Health Floyd and AT&T Indiana as our Platinum Sponsors, America Place as the Venue Sponsor, and the River Ridge Development Authority as our Gold Sponsor.  

Conversation Recap: 

Congresswoman Erin Houchin participated in a Fireside Chat with our President & CEO, Wendy Dant Chesser, on Monday April 3rd. The topics included the Congresswoman’s transition from the Indiana State Senate to the United States House of Representatives, priority bills that the Congresswoman is currently authoring or help push at the federal level, and how she plans to use her position to be a resource to Southern Indiana. At the end of the Fireside Chat, Congresswoman Houchin fielded a few questions from the audience.  

Congresswoman Houchin noted that usually Freshman Congress Members only are on one committee. However, she is honored to be assigned to three committees:  House Rules Committee, House Financial Services Committee, and the House Education and Workforce Committee. She plans on using her experience in the State Senate and her experience as a small business owner to provide clear and concise direction to each of those committees.  

Congresswoman Houchin does not shy away from her distinction as the first woman elected to represent Indiana’s 9th District. She noted that it is important that young women, especially her children, are able to see her in a leadership role and to dream big as anything can be possible.  

She introduced her key staff members and encourages 1si members to keep up with her activities by clicking the following link to her website.  

1si Advocacy Events: 

1si set a goal of hosting at least three advocacy events each year, including one local, one state, and one federal level event to give our members access to decision and policy makers.  Past events include the Annual State Leadership Breakfast, Luncheon with Governor Holcomb, Luncheon with US Senator Todd Young, Regional Mayor’s Forum, and our Annual Meet Your Local Officials 5’oclock Network. To keep up to date on our Advocacy Events, please click here.  

1si Advocacy Update: 

There are no new updates on bill status. Our Advocacy Leadership Team is still monitoring bills and will make actions as needed as bills relate to our Advocacy Agenda. As a reminder, our 2023 Call to Action includes talent attraction and retention which has four main concerns: Quality of Place, Housing Growth, Availability of Childcare, and Enhance Healthy Lifestyles. 

A few key dates are quickly approaching. The last day for House Bills to be heard in their Senate Committees are April 13 and the last day for Senate Bills to be heard in their House Committees are April 11. These dates are important as bills that do not pass out of committee will die and bills that do pass out of committee have a short window to have both their second and third hearing before the last day for third reading hearings. Third reading deadlines are highlighted below.  

Other key dates that are upcoming:  

• April 17 – last day for 3rd reading of Senate bills in House 
• April 18 – last day for 3rd reading of House bills in Senate 
• April 19-27 – Conference Committees 
• April 27 – Anticipated Final Day of Session 
• April 29 – Statutory Sine Die 

We will keep you updated on our actions related to the 2023 Indiana Legislative Session, but for more information on our Advocacy Agenda, please visit www.1si.org/advocacy.  

Welcome to the 1si Advocacy Update!  Every Wednesday while the General Assembly is in session, you will receive an update of 1si’s advocacy efforts. If you missed any of our previous updates from this session, please click here. 

 Finally, we have some exciting movement back at the Statehouse! Today’s focus will show where bills are stationed in different committees since crossover. There has been some movement and a few bills have passed out of their committees. We expect more bills to pass out of committees and to be heard on the floor of each chamber starting this week.  

 As a reminder, our 2023 Call to Action includes talent attraction and retention which has four main concerns: Quality of Place, Housing Growth, Availability of Childcare, and Enhance Healthy Lifestyles.  

 Bills on which 1si is taking a position: 

 Supporting: 

• HB 1005: Establishes the residential housing infrastructure assistance program and residential housing infrastructure assistance revolving fund. 

• • Passed House 91-6. 
  • In Senate Appropriations Committee. 

1si’s second Call to Action is to “develop new and enhanced tools to build and maintain infrastructure in support of housing growth.” 1si is in support as this bill provides a tool for local communities to meet the needs of housing shortages and prepare for future housing growth.  

• HB 1160: Creates funding for workforce training program and fund.   

• • Passed House 92-0.   
  • In Senate Family and Children Services Committee.  

One of 1si’s 2023 Priorities is “Meeting Workforce Demands.” 1si is in support as this bill would increase access to and fund workforce training and education programs for career support. As workforce shortages are a need for our businesses in Southern Indiana and throughout the State, this bill provides a tool to help booster the pipeline of potential individuals to be trained to enter or reenter the workforce.  

• SB 414: Provides alternatives solutions to residential onsite sewage system fails. 

• • Passed Senate 44-5. 
  • In House Environmental Affairs Committee. 

1si’s second Call to Action is to “develop new and enhanced tools to build and maintain infrastructure in support of housing growth.” 1si is in support as this bill would establish an alternative for homeowners needing to replace and upgrade their septic systems so that their houses can remain viable. This bill provides homeowners with a tool to build and maintain infrastructure to support existing homes that may be deemed unlivable without these upgrades. 

• SB 35: Requires students to take a financial literacy course.  

• • Passed Senate 47-2.  
  • In House Education Committee.  

One of 1si’s Governing Principles is “Career-Ready Workforce and Educational Initiatives.” 1si is in support as this bill requires an individual to successfully complete a personal financial responsibility course before the individual may graduate and creates requirements for content that must be covered in a personal financial responsibility course. 

• HB 1046: Provides that a military base reuse authority (such as River Ridge) is qualified to receive funds for an eligible project from the local road and bridge matching grant fund. 

• • Passed House 90-3. 
  • In Senate Homeland Security and Transportation Committee.  

One of 1si’s 2023 Priorities is “Infrastructure and Housing.” “This is the time to assist communities in building and maintaining roads and bridges…which are essential economic growth strategies for Southern Indiana.” 1si is in support as this bill would allow River Ridge and other military base reuse authorities to apply for a grant fund to support road or bridge projects.  

 Opposing: 

• HB 1278: Prohibits the Indiana economic development corporation, any other public authority, or any party negotiating on behalf of any of those entities (like 1si) from entering into a non-disclosure agreement designed to keep the details of the negotiation private until approval by a public body is warranted. 

• • Died in House.  

One of 1si’s Governing Principles is “Sustainable Economic Growth” as 1si serves as the Lead Economic Development Organization for Clark, Floyd, and Scott Counties. 1si is in opposition as this bill prohibits the State, or any party negotiating on behalf of any public authority for economic development proposes from entering into nondisclosure agreements. This bill would eliminate a tool that is used frequently in economic development to help meet the needs of different businesses. If passed, this would give Indiana a disadvantage to surrounding States that use nondisclosure agreements.  

 Monitoring: 

• HB 1449: Amends the twenty-first-century scholars program eligibility requirements for certain students and auto enrolls those students but students may opt-out. 

• • Passed House 92-1. 
  • Passed Senate Education and Career Development and now in Appropriations Committee. 

• HB 1001: Appropriates the State budget. 

• • Passed House 66-29. 
  • In Senate Appropriations Committee.  

• SB 317: Provides that a political subdivision may make advance payments to contractors to enable the contractors to purchase materials needed for a public works project of the political subdivision. 

• • Passed Senate 44-0. 
  • Passed Local Government Committee and now on House Floor.  

• HB 1209: Allows the Indiana Destination Development Corporation to establish a foundation. 

• • Passed House 95-1. 
  • Passed Senate 49-0. 

• SB 20: Allows a city/town to designate an outdoor location as a refreshment area with approval of the alcohol and tobacco commission.  

• • Passed Senate 39-10. 
  • In House Public Policy Committee.  

• SB 37: Sunsets any Food and Beverage Taxes except for Marion County, the surrounding Indianapolis counties, and Orange County (French Lick). Creates new requirements for future Food and Beverage Taxes.  

• • Passed Senate 50-0. 
  • In House Ways and Means Committee.  

• SB 202: Creates a taskforce to study the need for various housing matters.  

• • Passed Senate 37-9. 
  • In House Rules and Legislative Process Committee.  

• SB 390: Allows municipalities to apply to become commercial solar and wind energy ready communities.  

• • Passed Senate 36-12. 
  • Passed House Utilities, Energy, and Telecom. Committee and now on House Floor.  

• HB 1591: Expands access to childcare and pre-kindergarten programs.  

• • Passed House 94-0. 
  • In Senate Education and Career Development Committee.  

 We will keep you updated on our actions related to the 2023 Indiana Legislative Session, but for more information on our Advocacy Agenda, please visit www.1si.org/advocacy.  

Welcome to the 1si Advocacy Update!  Every Wednesday while the General Assembly is in session, you will receive an update of 1si’s advocacy efforts. If you missed any of our previous updates from this session, please click here.  

Bills are still slowly starting to move since crossover. Therefore, today’s update will provide information on how you could potentially become more involved in advocating at the state level. But first, we wanted to highlight some research on the trends of the future demographics in the workforce.  

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce and the Indiana Chamber Executive Association hosted the Chamber Day Dinner Event on March 14. 1si’s Advocacy Leadership Team attended both events and connected with our local legislators.  

The Chamber Dinner featured Dr. James H. Johnson Jr. with the University of North Carolina as the keynote speaker. Dr. Johnson is a highly distinguished professor of strategy and entrepreneurship in the Kenan-Flagler Business School and director of the Urban Investment Strategies Center. He spoke of his research on community and economic development, the effects of demographic changes on the U.S. workplace, interethnic minority conflict in advanced industrial societies, poverty and public policy in urban America and workforce diversity issues.  

Access Dr. Johnson’s research at this link. There are several key points upon which our businesses and communities should focus in order to prosper.  First, the human race is not growing fast enough to replace our current workforce. In fact, the death count surpassed the birth rate in 2016 for the first time in U.S. history. Second, our population is browning and greying. As a society, we must be more inclusive in attracting talent as mixed and nonwhite races continue to increase and the white demographic is declining.  Also, the fastest growing population is the 65+ population (greying) which means businesses and communities should find ways to keep this population active.  Marketing efforts should include diversity to retain and attract talent. Finally, childcare will remain a high priority but the need for eldercare is increasing. Many working individuals are facing an invisible overtime where they are working at home taking care of their children, or their parents, or both.  

Can you advocate for your industry at the state level? The list provided are opportunities to join a position on an Indiana Board or Commission. Some of these work groups have websites describing the roles, while others are referenced in state statute only. Specific details, such as time requirements for service, meeting locations, etc. will vary, but all work groups typically require a commitment to attending at least 75 percent of the meetings. 

Those who submit for consideration must understand a vacancy on a desired group may not become available immediately. Many of the appointments are made in June but the State allows submittals to be made throughout the year.  

Please contact Reny Keener via email at renyk@1si.org.  Interested individuals can send a resume as well as the name of the board/commission that you would like to join (up to 5).  1si will send a recommendation letter to the Governor’s Office. After the letter is submitted, the Governor’s staff will be in touch directly with each individual if they are interested in appointing the individual to the board/commission.  

We will keep you updated on our actions related to the 2023 Indiana Legislative Session, but for more information on our Advocacy Agenda, please visit www.1si.org/advocacy.   

Welcome to the 1si Advocacy Update!  Every Wednesday while the General Assembly is in session, you will receive an update of 1si’s advocacy efforts. If you missed any of our previous updates from this session, please click here.

As a reminder, our 2023 Call to Action includes talent attraction and retention which has four main concerns: Quality of Place, Housing Growth, Availability of Childcare, and Enhance Healthy Lifestyles.

Bills are slowly starting to move since crossover. There are no new updates on bill status but today we will provide an update on the activity of our Advocacy Leadership Team.

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce and the Indiana Chamber Executive Association hosted the Chamber Day at the Statehouse Event and Chamber Day Dinner Event on March 14. The Advocacy Leadership Team attended both events and connected with our local legislatures.

During the Chamber Day at the Statehouse Event, our Advocacy Leadership Team was able to learn about READI 2.0 opportunities, public investment in early childhood education, public/mental health funding, best practices for chamber advocacy, and received a federal update from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The Indiana Chamber of Commerce highlighted bills that they are following as well.

The Chamber Dinner Event featured James H. Johnson Jr. as the keynote speaker. James is the William R. Kenan Jr. Distinguished Professor of strategy and entrepreneurship in the Kenan-Flagler Business School and director of the Urban Investment Strategies Center in the Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise at the University of North Carolina. He spoke on his research on community and economic development, the effects of demographic changes on the U.S. workplace, interethnic minority conflict in advanced industrial societies, poverty and public policy in urban America and workforce diversity issues.

Our Advocacy Council had our midpoint meeting on March 7. During the meeting, our Advocacy Leadership Team updated the rest of the Advocacy Council on current bill that 1si has taken action and any bills that are being monitored/followed, and any other bills that are on the radar of other council members.

Upcoming Advocacy Events features a Luncheon with Congresswoman Erin Houchin, representing Indiana Congressional District 9. This event will feature a fireside chat between our President & CEO, Wendy Dant Chesser and Congresswoman Houchin. The chat will focus on Congresswoman Houchin’s transition in roles from the Indiana State Senate to the United States House of Congress, any of her legislative priorities, and how she is still focusing on Southern Indiana business and residents even though she is in Washington D.C. There will be time at the end of the chat for questions from the audience so please come with potential questions.

We will keep you updated on our actions related to the 2023 Indiana Legislative Session, but for more information on our Advocacy Agenda, please visit www.1si.org/advocacy.

Welcome to the 1si Advocacy Update!  Every Wednesday while the General Assembly is in session, you will receive an update of 1si’s advocacy efforts. If you missed any of our previous updates from this session, please click here.

We have reached crossover! On Monday bills started moving in the other chamber and the deliberation process starts over again. A quick stat: Approximately 27% of the House bills that were filed in the General Assembly passed, as did 33% of the Senate bills that were filed.

Where are the bills that we have been following? Below, we take a glance at those bills that moved forward and those that died.

As a reminder, our 2023 Call to Action includes talent attraction and retention which has four main concerns: Quality of Place, Housing Growth, Availability of Childcare, and Enhance Healthy Lifestyles. Unfortunately, all standalone childcare bills have died. However, rumor around the legislature is that childcare language will be placed in other bills, including the Budget Bill (HB 1001).

Bills on which 1si is taking a position:

Supporting:

• HB 1005: Establishes the residential housing infrastructure assistance program and residential housing infrastructure assistance revolving fund.
  • Passed House 91-6.

1si’s second Call to Action is to “develop new and enhanced tools to build and maintain infrastructure in support of housing growth.” 1si is in support as this bill provides a tool for local communities to meet the needs of housing shortages and prepare for future housing growth.

• HB 1160: Creates funding for workforce training program and fund.
  • Passed House 92-0.

One of 1si’s 2023 Priorities is “Meeting Workforce Demands.” 1si is in support as this bill would increase access to and fund workforce training and education programs for career support. As workforce shortages are a need for our businesses in Southern Indiana and throughout the State, this bill provides a tool to help booster the pipeline of potential individuals to be trained to enter or reenter the workforce.

• SB 414: Provides alternatives solutions to residential onsite sewage system fails.
  • Passed Senate 44-5.

1si’s second Call to Action is to “develop new and enhanced tools to build and maintain infrastructure in support of housing growth.” 1si is in support as this bill would establish an alternative for homeowners needing to replace and upgrade their septic systems so that their houses can remain viable. This bill provides homeowners with a tool to build and maintain infrastructure to support existing homes that may be deemed unlivable without these upgrades.

• SB 35: Requires students to take a financial literacy course.
  • Passed Senate 47-2.

One of 1si’s Governing Principles is “Career-Ready Workforce and Educational Initiatives.” 1si is in support as this bill requires an individual to successfully complete a personal financial responsibility course before the individual may graduate and creates requirements for content that must be covered in a personal financial responsibility course.

• HB 1046: Provides that a military base reuse authority (such as River Ridge) is qualified to receive funds for an eligible project from the local road and bridge matching grant fund.
  • Passed House 90-3.

One of 1si’s 2023 Priorities is “Infrastructure and Housing.” “This is the time to assist communities in building and maintaining roads and bridges…which are essential economic growth strategies for Southern Indiana.” 1si is in support as this bill would allow River Ridge and other military base reuse authorities to apply for a grant fund to support road or bridge projects.

Opposing:

• HB 1278: Prohibits the Indiana economic development corporation, any other public authority, or any party negotiating on behalf of any of those entities (like 1si) from entering into a non-disclosure agreement designed to keep the details of the negotiation private until approval by a public body is warranted.
  • Died in House.

One of 1si’s Governing Principles is “Sustainable Economic Growth” as 1si serves as the Lead Economic Development Organization for Clark, Floyd, and Scott Counties. 1si is in opposition as this bill prohibits the State, or any party negotiating on behalf of any public authority for economic development proposes from entering into nondisclosure agreements. This bill would eliminate a tool that is used frequently in economic development to help meet the needs of different businesses. If passed, this would give Indiana a disadvantage to surrounding States that use nondisclosure agreements.

Monitoring:

• HB 1449: Amends the twenty-first-century scholars program eligibility requirements for certain students and auto enrolls those students but students may opt out.

• • Passed House 92-1.

• SB 186: Establishes a state tax credit for a taxpayer that makes qualified child care expenditures or qualified child care resource and referral expenditures in providing child care to the taxpayer’s employees.

• • Died in Senate.

• HB 1001: Appropriates the State budget.

• • Passed House 66-29.

• HB 1085: Provides that a percentage of the incremental property taxes of any new tax increment financing area shall be allocated to school corporations that maintain an attendance area that includes all or part of the allocation area.

• • Died in House.

• SB 317: Provides that a political subdivision may make advance payments to contractors to enable the contractors to purchase materials needed for a public works project of the political subdivision.

• • Passed Senate 44-0.

• HB 1209: Allows the Indiana Destination Development Corporation to establish a foundation.

• • Passed House 95-1.

• SB 20: Allows a city/town to designate an outdoor location as a refreshment area with approval of the alcohol and tobacco commission.

• • Passed Senate 39-10.

• SB 37: Sunsets any Food and Beverage Taxes except for Marion County, the surrounding Indianapolis counties, and Orange County (French Lick). Creates new requirements for future Food and Beverage Taxes.

• • Passed Senate 50-0.

• SB 202: Creates a taskforce to study the need for various housing matters.

• • Passed Senate 37-9.

• SB 390: Allows municipalities to apply to become commercial solar and wind energy-ready communities.
  • Passed Senate 36-12.

We will keep you updated on our actions related to the 2023 Indiana Legislative Session, but for more information on our Advocacy Agenda, please visit www.1si.org/advocacy.

Welcome to the 1si Advocacy Update!  Every Wednesday while the General Assembly is in session, you will receive an update of 1si’s advocacy efforts. If you missed any of our previous updates from this session, please click here. This week’s article takes a brief inside view of our local legislators’ activity.

No new positions were taken by our leadership team this week as we have reached crossover. We will continue to follow bills as the bills start moving in the other chamber.

Key dates during session include:

·        February 27 – last day for 3^rd reading of House bills in House

·        February 28 – last day for 3^rd reading of Senate bills in Senate

·        April 17 – last day for 3^rd reading of Senate bills in House

·        April 18 – last day for 3^rd reading of House bills in Senate

·        April 19-27 – Conference Committees

·        April 27 – Anticipated Final Day of Session

·        April 29 – Statutory Sine Die

What has your local legislator been up to during the first half of the general session? To find your local legislator, please visit the Indiana General Assembly website.

Senator Garten – District 45

District 45 serves Clark County and some of Floyd County in the New Albany area. In his first year in Senate Leadership as the Majority Floor Leader, Senator Garten authored 12 bills. To view his activity, click here.

Senator Bryne – District 47

District 47 serves most of Floyd County, Harrison County, and Washington County. In his first full year in the Senate, Senator Bryne authored 5 bills. To view his activity, click here.

Representative Clere – District 72

District 72 serves most of Floyd County. Representative Clere in his 15^th year has authored 10 bills. To view his activity, click here.

Representative Engleman – District 70

District 70 serves all of Harrison County and portions of Clark, Floyd, and Washington counties. Representative Engleman in her 7^th year has authored 7 bills. To view her activity, click here.

Representative Fleming – District 71

District 71 serves most of Clark County and a portion of Floyd County in the New Albany area. Representative Fleming in her 5^th year has authored 8 bills. To view her activity, click here.

Representative Payne – District 66

District 66 serves portions of Clark, Scott, and Jefferson counties. Representative Payne in his 3^rd year has authored 10 bills. To view his activity, click here.

We will keep you updated on our actions related to the 2023 Indiana Legislative Session, but for more information on our Advocacy Agenda, please visit www.1si.org/advocacy.

Welcome to the 1si Advocacy Update! Every Wednesday while the General Assembly is in session, you will receive an update of 1si’s advocacy efforts. If you missed any of our previous updates from this session, please click here.

We are quickly approaching the final days for bills to be passed through their respected chamber. The last day for bills to pass 3rd reading is February 27 for the House and February 28 for the Senate. Some of the larger priority bills are finally seeing movement such as HB 1001 involving the State Budget, HB 1008 that focuses on the public pension system investing, and SB 3 which establishes a taskforce to review taxes.

As a reminder, our 2023 Call to Action includes talent attraction and retention which has four main concerns: Quality of Place, Housing Growth, Availability of Childcare, and Enhance Healthy Lifestyles.

No new positions were taken by our leadership team this week. We will continue to monitor bills as crossover is approaching. Crossover is the time where bills that have passed one chamber are then heard in the other chamber. Once bills have crossed into the other chamber, the deliberation process starts over again. This can be a tricky time for our leadership team as legislators try to take language from bills that have died and insert that language into bills that are moving.

Bills on which 1si is taking a position:

Supporting:

• HB 1005: Establishes the residential housing infrastructure assistance program and residential housing infrastructure assistance revolving fund.
  • Passed House third reading and has been referred to the Senate.

1si’s second Call to Action is to “develop new and enhanced tools to build and maintain infrastructure in support of housing growth.” 1si is in support as this bill provides a tool for local communities to meet the needs of housing shortages and prepare for future housing growth.

• HB 1160: Creates funding for workforce training program and fund.
  • Passed House third reading and has been referred to the Senate.

One of 1si’s 2023 Priorities is “Meeting Workforce Demands.” 1si is in support as this bill would increase access to and fund workforce training and education programs for career support. As workforce shortages are a need for our businesses in Southern Indiana and throughout the State, this bill provides a tool to help booster the pipeline of potential individuals to be trained to enter or reenter the workforce.

• SB 414: Provides alternatives solutions to residential onsite sewage system fails.
  • SB 414 passed Senate third reading and has been referred to the House.

1si’s second Call to Action is to “develop new and enhanced tools to build and maintain infrastructure in support of housing growth.” 1si is in support as this bill would establish an alternative for homeowners needing to replace and upgrade their septic systems so that their houses can remain viable. This bill provides homeowners with a tool to build and maintain infrastructure to support existing homes that may be deemed unlivable without these upgrades.

• SB 35: Requires students to take a financial literacy course.
  • Passed Senate third reading and has been referred to the House.

One of 1si’s Governing Principles is “Career-Ready Workforce and Educational Initiatives.” 1si is in support as this bill requires an individual to successfully complete a personal financial responsibility course before the individual may graduate and creates requirements for content that must be covered in a personal financial responsibility course.

• HB 1046: Provides that a military base reuse authority (such as River Ridge) is qualified to receive funds for an eligible project from the local road and bridge matching grant fund.

One of 1si’s 2023 Priorities is “Infrastructure and Housing.” “This is the time to assist communities in building and maintaining roads and bridges…which are essential economic growth strategies for Southern Indiana.” 1si is in support as this bill would allow River Ridge and other military base reuse authorities to apply for a grant fund to support road or bridge projects.

Opposing:

• HB 1278: Prohibits the Indiana economic development corporation, any other public authority, or any party negotiating on behalf of any of those entities (like 1si) from entering into a non-disclosure agreement designed to keep the details of the negotiation private until approval by a public body is warranted.
  • No movement.

One of 1si’s Governing Principles is “Sustainable Economic Growth” as 1si serves as the Lead Economic Development Organization for Clark, Floyd, and Scott Counties. 1si is in opposition as this bill prohibits the State, or any party negotiating on behalf of any public authority for economic development proposes from entering into nondisclosure agreements. This bill would eliminate a tool that is used frequently in economic development to help meet the needs of different businesses. If passed, this would give Indiana a disadvantage to surrounding States that use nondisclosure agreements.

Monitoring:

• HB 1449: Amends the twenty-first century scholars program eligibility requirements for certain students and auto enrolls those students but students may opt-out.
• SB 186: Establishes a state tax credit for a taxpayer that makes qualified child care expenditures or qualified child care resource and referral expenditures in providing child care to the taxpayer’s employees.
• HB 1001: Appropriates the State budget.
• SB 347: Establishes a work-sharing unemployment insurance program.
• HB 1085: Provides that a percentage of the incremental property taxes of any new tax increment financing area shall be allocated to school corporations that maintain an attendance area that includes all or part of the allocation area.
• SB 317: Provides that a political subdivision may make advance payments to contractors to enable the contractors to purchase materials needed for a public works project of the political subdivision.
• HB 1209: Allows the Indiana Destination Development Corporation to establish a foundation.
• SB 20: Allows a city/town to designate an outdoor location as a refreshment area with approval of the alcohol and tobacco commission.
• SB 37: Sunsets any Food and Beverage Taxes except for Marion County, the surrounding Indianapolis counties, and Orange County (French Lick). Creates new requirements for future Food and Beverage Taxes.

We will keep you updated on our actions related to the 2023 Indiana Legislative Session, but for more information on our Advocacy Agenda, please visit www.1si.org/advocacy.