ICAN Update 2.3.23
Partnering with Catholic Radio Indy
Starting this weekend, our podcast episodes will be regularly featured on Catholic Radio Indy. We are so grateful for this opportunity to share the ICC's work with a much broader audience. Listen to our latest podcast episode to hear about this new partnership and the movement on a bill this week that assists the most vulnerable poor in Indiana.
To learn more about Catholic Radio Indy, visit their website: https://catholicradioindy.org/
ICAN REPORT
SB1 Behavioral Health Matters (Sen. Crider)
This bipartisan effort appropriates significant funding for community behavioral health services, including a mental health crisis hotline number (988). The ICC supports these efforts to expand mental health services in Indiana.
ICC supports this bill.
HB1290 Earned Income Tax Credit (Rep. Goodrich)
This bill expands the state earned income tax credit from 10 percent to 15 percent of the federal earned income tax credit. This tax credit delivers targeted assistance to the lowest income Hoosiers.
ICC supports this bill.
SB248/HB1644 Driving Cards (Sen. Doriot/Rep. King)
Allows undocumented Indiana residents to drive legally after obtaining insurance and passing a driver’s test. The driving card can not be used for any purpose other than driving (for example, it can’t be used to vote). The ICC supports this policy because it would bring economic benefits to the state, increase road safety, and keep families together.
ICC supports this bill.
SB265/HB1160 Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (Sen. Ford, Sen. Walker/Rep. Clere)
While the House and Senate versions of these bills have some differences, the ICC continues to support an expansion to the TANF program in Indiana. This program uses federally appropriated funds to temporarily assist families in great need, but the assistance amount has not been updated in the state since 1988.
ICC supports this bill.
SB364/HB1243 Paid Family and Medical Leave (Sen. Pol/Rep. Cambell)
Although these bills are unlikely to receive a hearing this year, the ICC supports pro-family policies such as paid family leave. Ensuring mothers and fathers have adequate time to spend with newborn children has significant, well-researched, positive impacts for family life.
ICC supports this bill.
SB335 Climate Solutions Task Force (Sen. Yoder) This bipartisan bill establishes a task force that would study a variety of climate-related topics and submit recommendations to the legislature.
ICC supports this bill.