Indiana Association of United Ways Logo 
Policy Update, October 17, 2014 
Thank you for your interest and support. The Indiana Association of United Ways provides its Policy Update on "odd Fridays" (1st, 3rd and 5th Fridays). Contact us if you have any questions or comments about content (past, present or desired for the future).
Education Priority Area
Advocates shocked and disappointed about pre-K application 
Teacher and group of children at table with blocks.
Early education advocates around the state were both surprised and disappointed that Governor Pence decided not to submit the application for the federal preschool development grant, which could have provided up to $80 million over four years to Indiana.

Business, civic and early education leaders across the state have been working closely with state agencies and the Early Learning Advisory Council (ELAC) to gather data, hold local meetings and recruit support letters. Volunteers and staff have spent countless hours helping prepare the application. The Governor issued a statement citing concerns about "federal intrusion" in accepting federal funds.

See various reports in the Indy Star, Chalkbeat Indiana, and the Statehouse File, which includes the statement that the Governor sent to the ELAC on Wednesday.

Advocates and providers will continue ongoing efforts to increase capacity and quality of early education in Indiana. As the Governor and FSSA Sec. Wernert repeated at the meeting with pre-K pilot community leaders just three weeks ago, quality preschool is the "antidote to the toxin of poverty."  

At the StatehouseLegislative Study Committees 
StateCapitolDay The Legislative Council has appointed the interim study committees. Current meetings scheduled on the calendar include:

If you missed a committee meeting, visit the specific interim committee's web page for agenda and documents presented.

Income Priority Area$68 million in LIHEAP coming to Indiana 
The federal Health and Human Services office announced on Wednesday it was releasing $3 billion for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Indiana's portion is $68 million. 

The Coalition to Keep Indiana Warm met on Thursday to kick off the start of the LIHEAP season. Representatives from IN Housing and Community Development Authority, Indiana Community Action Association and several of the major utility providers presented about their financial assistance and weatherization programs. 

As a reminder, LIHEAP provides limited financial assistance to qualifying households (below 150% of poverty and other qualifications). Learn more. If you don't know your local CAP office, call 2-1-1 for a referral.

At the Statehouse Candidate Forums Few and Far Between
Early voting / absentee voting is underway, and the election is only two weeks away. 

There are just a few opportunities remaining where candidates are participating in candidate forums or debates where voters can meet the candidates and learn firsthand their positions on important issues. Review your ballot and research the candidates before you vote. 

Download our Election Year Reminders for keeping your nonprofit 501 (c) 3 out of trouble.

2-1-1
IN211 is gearing up for second year of Open Enrollment 
Indiana 211 Partnership (IN211) continues to pre-screen and refer callers for healthcare options. The graphic below illustrates the thousands of callers informed, screened and referred in the first nine months of 2014

Additionally, IN211 maintains detailed information about health insurance Navigators and Outreach and Enrollment events throughout the state. If you are a healthcare provider, have you updated your information in the IN211 database or event calendar to ensure appropriate referrals? If you are a service provider that works with consumers, have you checked out the Open Enrollment Dates or events near you? 
advocate
IaUW Public Policy
  
IaUW is a nonpartisan organization that works to advance policy principles and compromise solutions for the common good. We focus on programs and policies that help:
  • children prepare for and succeed in school;
  • individuals achieve and sustain financial stability;
  • individuals access quality healthcare; and
  • communities thrive, including a strong 2-1-1 network and charitable sector.
Our policy priorities are developed and guided by our Public Policy Committee and our IaUW members, based on their work in Hoosier communities.
Frequently Requested Links / Documents
  
iauw.org - Learn about the Indiana Association of United Ways, current trainings and conferences and the ways we support local United Ways/Funds, partners and communities.

IaUW Policy / Advocacy info - Review and download IaUW Policy Priorities, Third House calendar, bill lists, fact sheets, talking points and testimony.
  
Advocacy Action Center - Contact your member of Congress or State Legislator, provided through our partnership with United Way Worldwide.

IaUW Policy Update Archive - Read prior issues, special articles and key documents produced by IaUW related to public policy and advocacy.

NEW - Community Report Card - Check out key indicators in Education, Income and Health for your neighborhood, county or region.

IN211.org - Search for human service information available through the referral database or by calling 2-1-1. Download reports about resources, needs, gaps and trends from Indiana 211 Partnership.
  
NRN Calendar - Register for high-quality and affordable training for nonprofit staff and volunteers by the Indiana Nonprofit Resource Network.

Funding and Other Opportunities Explore current requests for proposals, funding and recognition opportunities.

Indiana General Assembly
 - Check the hearing or floor schedule, watch a live or recorded hearing or floor session and look up your legislators. 

Library of Congress
 - Look up bills introduced in Congress. Note that the THOMAS site will be maintained through 2014 and fully replaced by Congress.gov.

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