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).
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 #VotingBecause 
The Indiana Association of United Ways and Indiana 2-1-1 team tells you why voting is important. We are #votingbecause it matters! Tuesday marked the last day to register in Indiana and more Hoosiers are registered to vote than any time in recent history. Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter are getting credit for promoting voter registration online. The first weekend of Facebook promotions drove about 30,000 Hoosiers to sign up to vote.
Use the hashtag #votingbecause and make your own sign to tell others why voting in the General Election matters to you.
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 Weigh in on IaUW's 2017 policy priorities 
We want to hear from our members and partners across the state. What policy issues matter most to your organization and community?
Each year the Indiana Association of United Ways' Public Policy Committee gathers to discuss and plan our strategic policy priorities that shape our legislative agenda. Your input will help add to the discussion as we look to 2017. View our 2016 agenda as a reference. IaUW advocates in four key areas: education, income or financial stability, health and strong communities.
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 Pre-K advocates at the statehouse 
On September 28 the Interim Study Committee on Fiscal Policy discussed the return on investment for early childhood education spending. United Way of Central Indiana presented data on the benefits and demand for pre-k expansion in our state. The study, The Economic Impacts of Investing in Early Childhood Education in Indiana, showed that implementing a high quality, state-funded early childhood education program in Indiana would yield an anticipated benefit of nearly $4 per dollar invested.
The state currently provides funding to two pre-k programs: the Early Education Matching Grant (EEMG) program and On My Way Pre-K. The EEMG 2015-16 funding was awarded to 21 providers in 14 counties (see blue on map). On My Way Pre-K is a five county pre-k pilot program for low-income four year old's (see red on map). Both programs also require a local match component. Leaders from the business, nonprofit and faith-based communities are working together to advocate for an increase in state funding to serve more low-income children through high-quality early education programs.
The Interim Study Committee on Fiscal Policy's final report included a recommendation for expansion of the pre-k pilot program that maintains a requirement for philanthropic support.
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 On My Way Pre-K year one review 
The Office of Early Childhood and Out of School Learning released an On My Way Pre-K Year One Update. While this is just an early evaluation as part of a more detailed four year longitudinal study, it shows favorable results especially around kindergarten readiness which includes language comprehension, early literacy, executive functioning and reduction in behavior problems. The study also highlighted some positive impacts for the entire family including increased work/school hours and new opportunities to obtain employment for parents.
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Legislative study committee calendar
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:
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 Healthcare open enrollment starts November 1 
Open Enrollment for 2017 health plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace starts next month. If you don't have health insurance through a job, Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or another source of qualifying coverage, the Marketplace can help you get covered. Important dates to note for outreach and enrollment activities include:
- November 1, 2016: Open Enrollment starts - first day you can enroll, re-enroll, or change a 2017 insurance plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Coverage can start as soon as January 1, 2017.
- December 15, 2016: Last day to enroll in or change plans for coverage to start January 1, 2017.
- January 1, 2017: 2017 coverage starts for those who enroll or change plans by December 15.
- January 31, 2017: Last day to enroll in or change a 2017 health plan. After this date, you can enroll or change plans only if you qualify for a special enrollment period.
IN211 coordinates information about healthcare events all over the state. Whether you need information on your health insurance options, want someone to walk you through enrollment, or just have questions, 211 is here for you. Use the map to find an enrollment event near you or simply dial 2-1-1.
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 Energy Assistance Program begins November 1 
The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) provides financial assistance to low-income households, below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, to maintain utility services during the winter heating months through funding from the Federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) block grant. The program is administered through the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority and implemented through the Community Action Agencies with outreach offices in every county. These agencies provide the intake application process and utility vendor payments. Contact your local Community Action Agency or call 2-1-1 to learn about the program and how to schedule client appointments.
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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.
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FSSA Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning proposes to add psychosocial rehabilitation services as a covered service under the Medicaid Rehabilitation Option (MRO) program. Learn more about submitting comments.
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 IaUW Public PolicyIaUW 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.
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Education, so that children are prepared for and succeed in school;
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Income/Financial Stability, so that individuals and families may achieve and sustain financial stability;
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Health, so that individuals may access quality healthcare; and
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Strong Communities, where a statewide 2-1-1 network and a strong charitable sector help communities thrive.
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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.
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 - 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.
Congress.gov - Look up bills introduced or passed in Congress.
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