Indiana Association of United Ways Logo 
Policy Update, January 2, 2015 
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).
Charitable Sector Priority Area - Take Action
Happy New Year!  
Resolve to LIVE UNITED!

When we LIVE UNITED, we think outside ourselves and choose to improve our communities. Every one of us can make a difference. Collectively we can change our neighborhoods, communities, state and our world for the better. 

As you make resolutions or fill in your new 2015 calendar, consider opportunities to:
  • Give - Give of your time, treasure and talent. Nonprofit community and faith-based organizations need you.
  • Volunteer - Read to, tutor or mentor a child or adult. Serve on a board or committee. Help distribute food or books.
  • Advocate - Educate yourself on the issues important to you. Have a conversation. Share your experience and perspective with a policymaker. 
At the Statehouse - Take Action
State Capitol Bookmark these pages to stay informed about your Indiana General Assembly
As the Indiana General Assembly prepares for a January 6 session, we want to help make it easy for you to stay informed and participate in democracy. Bills are being filed and posted already.

Tools from IaUW
General Assembly pages

Health Priority Area
88,733 Hoosiers selected health plans in 1st month of Open Enrollment
During the first month of Open Enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace, more than 4 million Americans, including nearly 90,000 Hoosiers, enrolled or re-enrolled in coverage for 2015. Among enrollees in Indiana, 48% were renewing and 52% were enrolling for the first time. About 88% of Hoosiers who selected plans were eligible for financial assistance.  See CMS Release or Weekly Enrollment Snapshot.

From calls with healthcare stakeholders, here are a few observations:
  • Healthcare.gov is working very well. Enrollment and renewal is easier than last year and without the hiccups or outages of initial launch. 
  • The compressed enrollment period, Nov. 15-Feb.15, worries providers about being able to help all who need the personal assistance in understanding and selecting a plan.
  • There are numerous plan options, resulting in
    • many new doctors, hospitals and providers, even for rural areas,
    • a range of rates, which appear more competitive, and 
    • much longer appointments with Navigators who can help explain the complexities in selecting a plan among so many options.
Charitable Sector Priority Area
New campaign calls on legislators to invest in Hoosiers 

Our partner Indiana Coalition for Human Services launches a new campaign to call on legislators to Invest IN Hoosiers during this state budget-writing session. Advocates point out that while our current business climate is ranked the 8th best business tax climate in the country, Indiana continues to lag behind peers in other economic indicators. Indiana's median household income dropped nearly $6,000 since 2007 and remains nearly $5,000 lower than the national average. The campaign aims to change the conversation about the state's budget.

Invest IN Hoosiers is not calling on wholesale budget increases in human services. Rather, the campaign asks for strategic investments in proven programs, such as quality child care, preschool, school counselors, tax credits and job training. 
Income Priority Area
Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) Updates
The federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program has been incredibly delayed and is undergoing some changes. Hundreds of Indiana community- and faith-based organizations participate in local boards or as local recipient organizations (LROs). This year, over $2 million will be distributed in Indiana to support food pantries, meals and shelter nights. Here are a few updates for those involved as board members or LROs:
  • Phase 31 (yes, from FY13) report forms should be released soon for final reporting.
  • Coming soon - Phase 32 (FY14) will be released soon. Be sure that your email contact info is updated if you are a local Board member or LRO. The Indiana State Set-Aside Committee met in late December to determine distributions.
  • The National EFSP Board was updated about the uncertainty for Phase 33 (FY15). The new federal budget includes funds for all departments except the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), under which appropriation for the EFSP funds is usually included. FY15 EFSP funds would not be awarded to the National Board until a regular appropriations bill for DHS is passed by Congress and signed by the President. Additionally, Congress is considering appropriations language that would authorize the DHS/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to transfer the EFSP to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for fiscal year 2015. Should the proposed transfer of the EFSP take place, the EFSP National Board will work with both FEMA and HUD to assure a smooth transfer and continuity in the administration of EFSP. 
We will share more info as available. Questions or to update local contact info, email us.
At the Statehouse
IaUW Policy Priorities released
The Board of the Indiana Association of United Ways (IaUW) approved our Policy Priorities for 2015. 
 
The policy priorities are aligned with the impact work in local communities conducted by our 61 United Ways and United Funds.
  • Education
  • Income/Financial Stability
  • Health
  • Strong Communities
Local United Ways and their community partners provide direction. Our Public Policy Committee recommends a final list of priorities to the IaUW Board. 

Thanks to many experts, partners and volunteers who helped shape our Priorities. 
 
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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