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 Policy Update, December 5, 2014
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Thank you for your interest and support. The Indiana Association of United Ways usually 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).
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 Help recruit families for Pre-K The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) is accepting applications for the "On My Way Pre-K" prekindergarten pilot program, but needs the help of community- and faith-based partners. Download and post the flier if you serve:
Providers of preschool programs may be public schools or community and faith-based programs that have achieved Level 3 or 4 on the Paths To Quality program, or private or nonpublic schools that meet alternate standards.
Families whose incomes are below 127% of federal poverty, who reside in one of the four counties and who have a 4-year-old planning to start kindergarten in August 2015 may apply.
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 Legislative Priorities outlined by key leaders This is the time of year for organizations and legislators to outline their policy priorities for the coming legislative session.
Our priorities for Indiana Association of United Ways were approved Thursday. Look for details in our next issue.
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Indiana General Assembly prepares for January 6
 Members of the Indiana General Assembly are preparing bills for a session that will begin in one month. To help you prepare for January, here are a few key links: We are mapping our United Way and partner relationships with newly elected legislators. Let us know if you are willing to help advocate on our behalf.
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 Hoosiers: Expand Pre-K
 The overwhelming majority of Hoosiers (82% surveyed) desire an expansion of the Pre-K program for all children in all counties, according to the 2014 Hoosier Survey. Job creation remains the number one priority and should be at the top of the legislative agenda. Other highlights involve support for:
- public schools, with 75% saying they are very or somewhat satisfied with public schools (higher than last year);
- increasing education funding to cover the costs of textbooks for all public school children;
- shared policy-making by the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education; and
- stronger ethics laws.
The report also discusses the split views on issues of budget surplus, same-sex marriage, environmental policy and Sunday sales of alcohol.
Each year, the Bowen Center for Public Affairs at Ball State University and WISH-TV, Channel 8 of Indianapolis, partner to provide Indiana citizens and policymakers with a snapshot of public opinion on current issues in Indiana.
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  Indiana's United Way ALICE report
One in seven Hoosier households lives below the poverty threshold. Nearly 1 in 4 lives above poverty but below the cost of living, or below the "ALICE Threshold." ALICE stands for Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed.
Contact us for a presentation to your statewide organization or conference. We are booking presentations for 2015.
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 Last Chance to Weigh In Indiana Assets & Opportunity Network The Indiana Assets and Opportunity Network is seeking input to shape the newly-formed statewide coalition.
Many thanks to the 146 survey participants so far!
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  Consider volunteering with Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
Volunteer recruitment and training is underway in many Indiana communities. VITA volunteers help low-wage workers, seniors and people with disabilities keep more of their refunds by not paying fees for preparation.
Volunteers complete a training and certification with the Internal Revenue Service to prepare taxes or to serve as greeters.
We are aware that free tax preparation sites are being planned in the following counties: Allen, Bartholomew,Delaware, Elkhart, Howard, Huntington, Knox, Lake, Marion, Madison, St. Joseph, Tippecanoe, Vigo and Wayne. Contact us to be connected with one of these sites or to add a missing community to the list.
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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.
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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 - S earch 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.
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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Copyright © 2013. All Rights Reserved.
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