from Indiana Assn of United Ways:
Advocate for the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit in tax reform 
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC) promote work and fight poverty. The EITC makes an important difference in the lives of 26 million working families across the country and about 550,000 Hoosiers. It helps by allowing them to keep more of what they earn, bringing back $64 billion to main street economies and communities, for basics like transportation, groceries, and childcare.
Unless Congress acts, 7.5 million workers will be left behind in tax reform. That's how many taxpayers are shut out from this pro-work, anti-poverty tax credit-because they aren't raising children at home. This includes taxpayers like non-custodial parents that still contribute to child expenses, veterans and young workers paying their way through school. Tell Congress to stand up for all working Americans, and expand the EITC and low-income CTC.
Congress should build on the success of these pro-work, anti-poverty policies by expanding the EITC and low-income CTC, in tax reform.
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 Governor Holcomb releases 2018 Next Level agenda
This week, Governor Holcomb announced his Next Level agenda for the 2018 legislative session. There are five key pillars to the agenda with a primary focus on workforce development. The five pillars include:
- Cultivate a strong and diverse economy by supporting our growing tech sector, marketing economic development opportunities and supporting elements from successful programs like Regional Cities and Stellar Communities;
- Maintain and build the state's infrastructure by pursuing a fourth port, assessing the the state's water resources, increasing access to affordable broadband and additional airline flights;
- Develop a 21st Century skilled and ready workforce by increasing workforce and training opportunities for students and adults, establishing an Education to Career Pathway Cabinet, strengthening STEM curricula and launching new DOC workforce training programs;
- Attack the drug epidemic by improving state reporting, increasing drug treatment options and strengthening enforcement efforts; and
- Deliver great government service by streamlining online government services, implementing a new parent leave policy for state government employees and adopting the Say's Firefly as the state insect.
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Legislative study committees wrapping up
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. View the House and Senate interim study committee assignments. Check the interim committee calendar for updates. Current meetings on the calendar include:
Many interim committees are done meeting for the year and have submitted final reports. View the final reports and recommendations from the following interim committees:
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 Check out our Third House / Meet Your Legislator event calendar
Legislators often offer a preview, progress report or summary at "Third House" sessions or "meet your legislator" sessions. We at Indiana United Ways work to maintain the calendar of Third House meetings throughout the state. Check out the calendarfor a date and location near you (updated regularly throughout the legislative session). Upcoming meet your legislator and legislative preview events are being held in the following communities:
- Dearborn County - November 15 at 11:30am
- Greater Fort Wayne - December 5 at 11:30am
- Muncie-Delaware County - December 1 at 11:30am
- South Bend - December 1 at noon
If you attend, drop us a note to share a little about your experience.
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 Learn more about the Sagamore Institute's Public Good Index
The Sagamore Institute, an Indianapolis-based think tank, recently released the Public Good Index which highlights data over the last 15 years on issues like mental health, education, poverty and income for Indiana's eleven largest cities including Bloomington, Carmel, Evansville, Fishers, Fort Wayne, Gary, Hammond, Indianapolis, Lafayette, Muncie and South Bend. A sample of interesting findings include:
- Poverty - 2015 data shows that Bloomington had the highest rate of poverty at 38.2% and Fishers had the lowest at 3.1% and all poverty rates increased significantly from 2000 to 2015.
- Unemployment - Gary had the highest unemployment rate at 18% and Fishers had the lowest at 4%.
- Charitable giving - Muncie had the highest ranked giving profile and Carmel and Fishers were tied for the lowest rank.
- Violent crime - Indianapolis and South Bend have the highest rate of violent crime while Carmel and Fishers had the lowest.
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Indiana Coalition for Human Services and Children's Coalition of Indiana team up to offer fall learning opportunities 
ICHS and CCI have partnered to host fall learning opportunities in Indianapolis. The sessions are open to members and guests free of charge. The meetings will cover a variety of topics throughout October and November. Register now to attend sessions that interest you and view the flyer for additional event details.
- Tuesday, November 14: New Census Data and the Wage and Wealth Gap in Indiana presented by Andrew Bradley and Erin Macey of the Indiana Institute for Working Families.
- Tuesday, November 28: Home Rule presented by Justin Schneider of Indiana Farm Bureau.
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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.
- Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) has released a draft revision to the Indiana Affordable Housing & Community Development Fund: Application Process, Underwriting Guidelines, & Compliance Requirements manual. Learn more and submit public comments before the November 20 deadline.
- IHCDA is seeking public input to help them shape their placemaking initiatives in 2018. Complete the survey to weigh in.
- Department of Education is seeking public comment on the General Diploma Waiver for the general diploma to be included int he federal graduation rate calculation. Learn more and submit comments before the December 2 deadline.
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