Indiana Policy Updates

from IAUW:

On My Way Pre-K expansion counties announced During the 2017 legislative session, the On My Way Pre-K program was expanded to fifteen additional counties through HEA1004.  The legislation asked the state to select counties that demonstrated readiness to support the program based on community need, capacity of high-quality providers and community support.  On Wednesday, the state announced the fifteen expansion counties that will be joining the five existing counties (Allen, Jackson, Marion, Lake and Vanderburgh) in providing pre-k scholarships to low-income four-year-olds.  The new counties include Bartholomew, DeKalb, Delaware, Elkhart, Floyd, Grant, Harrison, Howard, Kosciusko, Madison, Marshall, Monroe, St. Joseph, Tippecanoe and Vigo. These communities are now gearing for implementation which includes securing local contributions of a minimum of 5% of the state's total investment in that county's program. View Governor Holcomb's press release on the expansion or see more information from the Family and Social Services Administration.

Legislative Study Committees 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 in the interim before the 2018 session.  Here are a few highlights of interest to our members and partners (only a subset of all): Courts and the Judiciary will study Adult Protective Services, civil forfeiture laws, defense services for CHINS and guardianships and shared decision making. Education will study several topics related to the Every Student Succeeds Act. Fiscal Policy will study uniform property tax assessment of nonprofit entities and a multi-year review of certain tax incentives. Government will study food deserts. Public Health, Behavioral Health and Human Services will study changes to state law to respond to changes in federal law on healthcare. Check the interim committee calendar for updates.   Several new laws go into effect on July 1. View the 2017 Enrolled Act Summary for more information.

Find and promote summer meal programs near you The Summer Food Service Program for Children (SFSP) was created to ensure all children receive proper nutrition throughout the year, especially over summer break when the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program meals are not available.  SFSP reimburses organizations that prepare and serve meals to eligible children during the summer and school vacation periods.  In 2016, more than 250 Indiana sponsors served nearly three million meals.  However, fewer than 20% of all low-income Hoosier children who receive free or reduced lunch during the school year received free meals during the summer months.  Help promote this program by posting this flyer at your organization to help children and families access this valuable service.  Look for summer meal programs in your community using the interactive map or search by county.