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Policy Update, August 26, 2016 
Thank you for your interest and support. The Indiana Association of United Ways provides its Policy Update on "even Fridays" (2nd and 4th Fridays). Contact us if you have any questions or comments about content (past, present or desired for the future).
At the Statehouse 2 Minute Update featuring Angela Rinehart
Angela Rinehart joins Maggie Snyder of IaUW to give you a quick update on legislative study committees and what topics to monitor.  Angela is an Associate at The Corydon Group and helps support IaUW's policy work at the Statehouse.

Watch the video and check out the calendar below for more details.
At the Statehouse
Legislative study committee calendarState Capitol
During the legislative session many interim study committee topics are recommended by the General Assembly. The meetings allow experts in the field and state agencies to share information about the current state of issues in Indiana in preparation for the next legislative session. In late May, the Legislative Council announced the topics to be studied before the 2017 session. 

Upcoming committee meetings include: 
Check the interim committee calendar for updates.  
2-1-1 Disaster strikes in Indiana
Late summer storms have been striking communities across the state. We have seen destructive tornadoes in Kokomo and floods in South Bend just this week.  It is best to be prepared and have a plan for severe weather and its impact.  2-1-1 offers information on disaster preparedness, up-to-the-minute information on road closures and evacuation routes and shelters, disaster relief assistance and recovery resources.  2-1-1 may also provide Hoosiers with information on disaster-related volunteer opportunities and relief efforts so you can put your time and talent to work in the areas where they're needed most and improve the lives of others in your community. Learn more about 2-1-1 services in Indiana.
Health Priority Area
HIP 2.0 interim evaluation report
HIP 2.0 Enrollment as of January 2016 (light<1,000, dark>10,000 enrolled)
The Healthy Indiana Plan 2.0 (HIP 2.0) was implemented in 2015. As part of the HIP 2.0 waiver agreement between the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the state, a mid-point and final evaluation are required. Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) selected the Lewin Group as an independent evaluator for HIP 2.0. The Lewin Group released an interim evaluation of HIP 2.0 last month that takes a look at the progress the program has made. These preliminary findings use data from the first year of implementation. A sample of key findings include:
  • 407,746 Hoosiers were enrolled in HIP 2.0 for at least one month;
  • 61,500 members disenrolled from HIP Plus or HIP Basic in the first year;
  • 52% of HIP Plus members responded that Power Account Contributions (PACs) were rarely or never a concern, however 16% always worried about being able to afford their PAC payment and another 29% usually or sometimes worried; and
  • 86% of Plus and 71% of Basic members were either very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with their experience with HIP 2.0.
At the Statehouse - Take Action
Participate in National Voter Registration Day September 27
National Voter Registration Day is a single day of coordinated activities aimed at registering as many eligible Americans as possible. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to participate this year. Join them on September 27 and help celebrate our amazing democracy.  Use Nonprofit Vote's social media resources to encourage voter registration and check out the Voter Engagement Toolkit for more ideas.

Voter registration closes on October 11 for the 2016 General Election.  Register to vote or update your voter information and visit the polls on November 8.
Education Priority AreaAll IN 4 Pre-K around the state
All IN 4 Pre-K is the grassroots campaign that is bringing together advocates and organizations to expand pre-k by showcasing high-quality pre-k programs, supporting local champions and raising the voices of families and children.  The campaign kicked off this month with regional events across the state. Join the campaign.  

See a sample of local media coverage in:
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At the Statehouse - Take Action
Weigh in on issues important to you!
Submitting comments during rulemaking periods is an important way to shape policy. State and federal agencies appreciate specific comments about possible impacts and ways to improve proposed rules. Below are a few open comment periods in Indiana.
  • Department of Education will hold listening sessions to gather input for Every Student Succeeds Act state implementation.  
  • FSSA Division of Aging will hold regional stakeholder meetings to share key components of the final No Wrong Door planning grant.  Learn more.
  • FSSA Division of Mental Health and Addiction & Department of Correction will host the Indiana Annual Recovery Month Symposium (INARMS) to bring together mental health, substance abuse and criminal justice professionals to interact and share ideas.  Learn more about 9/26-9/27 event.
  • State School Bus Committee, DOE, will hold a hearing on rules related to child alert systems, contents of first aid kits and optional rear stop arms. See LSA #15-426. Hearing on 9/6/16 at 9am.
At the Statehouse
IaUW Public Policy
IaUW is a nonpartisan organization that works to advance policy principles and compromise solutions for the common good. We focus on policies that are aligned with the impact work in local communities conducted by our 60 United Ways and United Funds.
  • Education, so that children are prepared for and succeed in school;
  • Income/Financial Stability, so that individuals and families may achieve and sustain financial stability;
  • Health, so that individuals may access quality healthcare; and 
  • Strong Communities, where a statewide 2-1-1 network and a strong charitable sector help communities thrive.
Our policy priorities are developed and guided by our Public Policy Committee and our IaUW members, based on their work in Hoosier communities. 

Review our public policy documents, including fact sheets, testimony and bill summaries. 
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.
  
Federal Advocacy Action Center - Contact your member of Congress 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.

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. 

Congress.gov  - Look up bills introduced or passed in Congress. 

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