Pack's Summary: Bi-Weekly Report for District 92
Welcome to Pack’s Summary, my bi-weekly newsletter, where I will provide legislative and community updates for you as your state representative for Western Indianapolis. Please reach out to my office at h92@iga.in.gov if you have any questions, concerns or thoughts on what you’d like to see in this newsletter.
FINAL IBLC SUMMER TOWN HALL IN TERRE HAUTE
Each year, the IBLC hosts a series of town halls across the state to share information about the laws passed during the 2024 session of the Indiana General Assembly.
On Sept. 7, the IBLC held its final summer town hall in Terre Haute at the City Hall Courtroom. We would also like to extend our thanks to Mayor Brandon Sakbun and State Rep. Tonya Pfaff for attending.
We have had an excellent turnout for our town hall series this summer, and we are grateful to everyone who offered us their feedback. We are using your feedback to help us draft policy for the 2025 legislative session that will improve the lives of all Hoosiers. We could not do this without you, and we are excited to start preparing for the upcoming session!
STATEWIDE COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT FOR OLDER ADULT SURVEY
The Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) launched the Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults, a collaborative effort between Area Agencies on Aging throughout the state and the research firm Polco. Initial respondents were randomly selected across the state and received mailers inviting residents aged 60 and older to participate in the survey. Now, the survey is available online for all eligible seniors.
The questionnaire covers various factors impacting older adults’ quality of life, such as local employment and volunteer opportunities, housing, accessibility, mobility and physical and mental health.
Eligible residents can take the survey online at polco.us/indiana24.
This July, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) transferred to the new Indiana Pathways for Aging program for Hoosiers 60 and over. However, this transition, which aims to improve the health and well-being of Hoosiers, has not been seamless. The Medicaid waitlist has left many Hoosiers high and dry as they wait to receive necessary care or accommodations. Additionally, services previously covered under Medicaid, such as transit to and from adult day centers, have forced many programs to close their doors due to the slow conversion to the new Pathways for Aging program.
This survey offers Hoosiers an opportunity to provide direct feedback to the FSSA about the loss of programs and opportunities resulting from this transition. I encourage eligible Hoosiers to fill out the survey to give valuable information to the FSSA as they continue to navigate this transition.
For more information on this survey, please get in touch with your local Area Agency on Aging at 800-713-9023 or the Division of Aging at 888-673-0002.
REGISTER TO VOTE
The 2024 General Election is right around the corner, so now is the best time to make sure you’re registered to vote! This year, the General Election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 5, and the deadline to register in Indiana is Monday, Oct. 7.
Early voting will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 8 and will run through Monday, Nov. 4. To find an early voting location nearest you, click here.
To check your voting status or register to vote, visit IndianaVoters.com. You can also register to vote in person at your local county clerk's office.
Indiana’s top 28 fall events, festivals for 2024
https://www.wishtv.com/news/local-news/indianas-top-28-fall-events-festivals-for-2024/
13th checks distributed to 106k+ public retirees
https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/2024/09/17/13th-checks-distributed-to-106k-public-retirees/
Lawmakers revisit eliminating statute of limitations for rape, child molestation
https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/lawmakers-revisit-eliminating-statute-of-limitations-for-rape-child-molestation.php
Indy group urges community input and action to improve animal welfare
https://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/local-organization-seeks-community-input-on-plan-to-improve-animal-welfare-in-indy
Students, educators, parents: Tell us about cell phones bans at your school
https://www.chalkbeat.org/indiana/2024/09/06/student-cell-phone-bans-tell-us-about-your-schoo
NIPSCO proposes rate increase for electric customers; needs state regulatory OK
https://www.journalgazette.net/local/indiana/nipsco-proposes-rate-increase-for-electric-customers-needs-state-regulatory-ok/article_4cc59342-7124-11ef-931a-479defe26758.html
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! The month-long celebration honors the contributions and achievements of Hispanic Americans in the United States. We are so grateful for the contributions of Hispanic Hoosiers to our state!
In service,
Renee Pack, District 92 State Representative
