Latest news with #Holcomb
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
State: insufficient planning, funding pauses summer meals program
Officials with the Braun administration pointed to Gov. Eric Holcomb as the reason Indiana opted out of a student summer meals program. (Getty Images) Indiana Gov. Mike Braun's second-in-command, along with a key executive branch agency, pointed to a lack of planning under Gov. Eric Holcomb's administration as the reason hungry Hoosier schoolchildren won't be able to use a summer meals program. 'The previous administration did not file for SUN Bucks in the way they should have,' Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith told a crowd at a Zionsville town hall on Tuesday. 'I'm working with Gov. Braun to get those SUN Bucks dollars back.' 'A giant leap backwards': Indiana opts out of summer program for hungry schoolchildren That 'lapse,' along with other perceived failures of Holcomb, were part of what propelled the duo into office, Beckwith continued. Last year, 669,000 Hoosier children who qualified for food benefits and reduced-price school meals got an additional $120 while schools were closed for the summer, for a total of roughly $80 million. But Indiana opted out of the program this year, saying that Holcomb's administration hadn't done the legwork in advance of 2025. Oversight costs for the program would be roughly $3.7 million for the state, according to the administration, a tough sell following the state's projected $2 billion revenue shortfall earlier this year. In response, budget writers trimmed nearly every agency by 5% and sharply cut into economic development and public health programs. 'The successful implementation of the SUN Bucks program required early planning and strategic coordination to launch in Summer 2025. To ensure a timely rollout, the Division of Family Resources (DFR) needed clear direction from state leadership during late summer to early fall of 2024, during the prior administration,' Marcus Barlow told the Indiana Capital Chronicle. Barlow is the deputy chief of staff and director of the office of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs for the Family and Social Services Administration, which administers the program alongside the Department of Education. He said 'due to the complexity of procurement processes and system enhancements,' the Holcomb administration should have done the following before 2025, which is when Braun took office: Finalize contract amendments with the Electronic Benefit Transfer processor to allocate funding for Summer EBT Secure a system vendor to support technical enhancements and application processing for 2025 Summer EBT, or S-EBT, is the official name for the SUN Bucks program. The Food and Nutrition Service, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, handles the program at the federal level. It's unclear what changed between the program's administration in 2024 and 2025 that necessitated such changes. In response to a follow-up question, Barlow noted that 'since that prior administration didn't move forward, no decisions were made regarding whether or not to use the same vendor.' 'Upon taking office, this administration quickly submitted a waiver application to the Food and Nutrition Service to explore all possible avenues for launching the program this summer. However, our review revealed that the gaps in prior preparations prevented implementation in time for Summer 2025,' Barlow said. That waiver application, dated for March 2025, appeared to indicate that the state was moving forward with the program and would be submitting a Plan for Operations and Management for approval under Braun's administration. However, Barlow didn't respond to further questions about that plan and whether it was submitted or approved, saying the Indiana Capital Chronicle would need to submit a records request for the document. The federal government also declined to share a copy of Indiana's plan or comment on whether it was submitted or approved. 'USDA Secretary (Brooke) Rollins believes in empowering states to tailor programs and policies to their specific circumstances, rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all approach. She recognizes that states are best equipped to understand their own populations and encourages them to explore innovative ideas to address their unique needs. Under Secretary Rollins, USDA is committed to engaging with Indiana to find bold and sustainable solutions that support and protect both participants and taxpayers,' a USDA spokesperson said. Barlow pointed to existing resources under the USDA's Site Finder Map and the Hunger Hotline for families to connect to food resources. The hotline is accessible Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. Eastern Time at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) for English speakers or at 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273) for Spanish speakers. CONTACT US At the Tuesday town hall, the devout Beckwith continued on the topic of summer meals by saying that the state should 'take advantage' of the federal money being offered. 'We should go after that federal money,' Beckwith said to cheers. 'It's just going to go to a different state.' Additionally, the Noblesville pastor asked the faith community to step up in place of the state to 'be the hands and feet of Christ in these communities' this summer. 'I don't think the state is equipped to do it as well as nonprofits,' Beckwith concluded. '… It's a nonprofit's (and) faith community's job to do it. They can do it better than the state (and) far more efficiently.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Strategic legislative revisions aid renewed Indiana drive for tolling
Open road tolling is another form of electronic toll collection where motorists aren't required to stop at a toll booth or plaza to pay toll fees. (Getty Images) Indiana Gov. Mike Braun's administration is getting serious about tolling to make up for falling fuel tax revenue and upgrade aging highways — eight years after former Gov. Eric Holcomb's administration backed away from the prospect. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) 'is working closely with the governor's office, looking at different options: routes, the tolling process, the application, all of it as a whole, to see what makes the most sense (and) where need is greatest,' the agency said. The governor's office confirmed its interest. 'No decisions have been made,' Chief of Staff Josh Kelley cautioned. 'But tolling has to be considered to maintain our current and future infrastructure and we are exploring all potential options,' he added. Strategic changes housed in recently approved legislation could give those efforts a boost. But the loosened restrictions have sparked opposition from cash-strapped Hoosiers — and those already paying tolls along borders with Illinois and Kentucky. And it's not as easy as simply adding tolls to existing interstates. U.S. law generally bans user fees on federal-aid highways, including those that make up the Interstate Highway System. There are exceptions, of course. One program allows tolling on new highways, bridges and tunnels, plus on new lanes, as long as the number of toll-free lanes doesn't decrease. Reconstructed or replaced bridges and tunnels also qualify. Another program lets states toll high occupancy vehicle lanes. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) also offers two limited-slot pilot programs. Tolling-curious Indiana has been down this road before. Fuel taxes produce more than 82% of Indiana's transportation infrastructure dollars. But Indiana is just 140 miles wide on average, so those who drive through without filling up don't pay in. And uptake of fuel-efficient and electric vehicles is expected to cost the state millions, jeopardizing maintenance and expansion plans for vast stretches of crumbling asphalt and concrete. Lawmakers in 2017 recognized that long-term challenge, advancing legislation that gave Holcomb the power to add tolls. The law also mandated detailed examinations of the concept. One feasibility study, produced that year for INDOT, estimated that a statewide interstate highway tolling program would have an 85% chance of generating upwards of $39 billion between 2021 and 2050. It further reported a 50% chance that revenue could exceed $53 billion over that timeframe. The estimates didn't include the likely significant costs to install and maintain tolling gantries, process payments, provide customer service, enforce collections and more. Also that year, INDOT produced a strategic plan exploring how it could implement that tolling program. One of the law's related requirements — that Holcomb's INDOT seek federal approval for the tolling initiative — wasn't fulfilled, the agency confirmed to the Capital Chronicle. A 10-cent fuel tax hike, accompanied by six years worth of inflation-indexed increases capped to a penny each, did go into effect. In 2023, his last year in office, Holcomb authorized a three-year extension. It's just a stop-gap. 'The public has made it very clear nobody wants to pay more for anything right now,' Build Indiana Council Executive Director Brian Gould said. But, he added, 'If we continue to look at the model that we operate under right now, we likely would have been talking about a 30-cent gas tax increase this year.' 'So, in order to keep that off the table and keep the plan solvent, you've got to look at other funding mechanisms that are out there,' continued Gould, whose industry group seeks sustained funding for Indiana roads and bridges. That's why Braun is getting more serious about tolling. 'It's going to have to be considered because, otherwise, I don't think we can maintain our main arteries. Asking for the ability to do it doesn't mean you're going to do it comprehensively,' he said at a Munster luncheon this month, WTHR reported. 'You do it selectively, where the need is the greatest.' Tucked among House Enrolled Act 1461's myriad local funding tweaks are detailed revisions to Indiana tolling laws. Lawmakers, for example, nullified a ban on new tolls within 75 miles of interstate highways and bridges that already had tolls in 2017. INDOT said the change 'provides some more flexibility in terms of locations.' But Hoosiers already living near tolled facilities object. Driving the 70-year-old northern Indiana Toll Road's 157-mile span costs the typical passenger vehicle more than $15 and can approach $100 for the heaviest-duty, six-axle vehicles. Crossing any of three RiverLink bridges to the south — tolled since 2016 — costs between $2.61 and $15.61 a pop, depending on payment and vehicle type. The prohibition previously shielded Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser's Kentucky border community from new additions as far up as Columbus, Indiana. Now, the Jeffersonville Democrat said, 'We could be tolled at mile marker one.' She warned that more tolls in the area would prompt 'a lot of noise.' In some instances, what was stripped out of law is 'about as important' as what was added, Gould said. Careful deletions in House Enrolled Act 1461 also allow the Indiana Finance Authority to take on debt to pay for transportation infrastructure projects, effective July 1. That is 'something that's not been an option for INDOT for almost two decades,' Gould said. The changes, he added, will let the state leverage its AAA credit rating to finance projects upfront, then use tolling revenue to pay the debt — 'easing the burden on Hoosiers.' 'We were almost working in reverse order, because so much of what the state was trying to get to was actually in existing law (as) a prohibition,' he said. Other tweaks removed requirements that lawmakers specifically authorize certain tolling-related activities. INDOT said it hadn't yet narrowed down which exceptions or facilities it was considering. The agency is 'still … casting a wide net, looking at all options, as we move forward,' it said. Implementing tolling would be a 'multi-year process,' per INDOT. Gould said that in between now and then, 'Hoosiers can expect to see major reconstruction of those interstates and expanded capacity. So I think people should likely be pretty pleased with what they see, not happy about paying for it.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bernalillo County reopens grant program geared toward neighborhood beautification
May 15—From pollinator gardens to Route 66 murals, neighborhood associations have turned grants from a Bernalillo County program into community hubs. Now, the program is back for another year. Since 2010, neighborhood associations have used money doled out as part of the Bernalillo County Neighborhood Grant Program to beautify the county and build community, said Neighborhood Coordinator Megan Holcomb. "We work really closely with them, but we want to kind of give them another outlet to, you know, organize projects and events in their neighborhood," Holcomb said. The program, which relies on money from the county's general fund, is again accepting applicants for fiscal year 2026. Eligible projects receive grants of $7,500 for bigger projects and $2,500 for smaller ones. According to the county's website, possible projects include workshops, trainings, neighborhood art initiatives, crime prevention projects or anything that brings the community together. The application deadline ends June 11. Interested groups can visit the county's Planning and Development Services website, or contact the department at neighborhoodgrants@ Ken Sears, president of the ABQCore Neighborhood Association, said the money is crucial for groups like his. "Neighborhood associations typically aren't well funded," Sears said, adding that donations comprise the bulk of his group's financial resources. Sears said grants like this allow the association to focus on projects that build community both in the short term and the long term. That's precisely what happened last year when ABQCore was awarded a grant, which they used for a mural project in the Downtown neighborhood in anticipation of the Route 66 Centennial. Sears said his community came together to plan the mural, and even after it was finished, the community still used the space for regular gatherings. One hurdle Holcomb noted is that eligible recipients must have a tax identification number or be registered as a nonprofit. Holcomb said neighborhood associations can still get the grants without that, but they'd have to go through a fiscal sponsor. Last year, the county gave out grants to 16 neighborhood associations. "I think it's just a really good way to provide an opportunity for us to meet our neighbors and build that community and that support system that we all kind of look for," Holcomb said.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
Man seriously injured after fiery crash in Clark County
A man was seriously injured after a fiery crash in Clark County last week. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] News Center 7 previously reported that around 10:41 p.m. Friday evening, Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) Troopers were dispatched to Tuttle Rd and US 40 on reports of a crash. TRENDING STORIES: Former Ohio State wrestler, Olympic gold medalist arrested during prostitution sting Area hardware store to close after 80 years of service $95M Apple settlement deadline looms; how you can get your slice from the Siri recording case The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe driven by a 17-year-old Karlee Holcomb of New Carlisle, was heading eastbound on US 40. A 2011 Volvo V50 driven by 37-year-old Scheetz Lucas was also traveling eastbound on US 40. According to the OSHP, Lucas failed to maintain an assured clear distance ahead and struck Holcomb's vehicle in the center rear. Holcomb traveled off the right side of the roadway and eventually back onto the roadway before going back off the left side. Lucas' vehicle traveled off the left side of the roadway and caught fire. Lucas was seriously injured and was flown via medical helicopter to Miami Valley Hospital. Holcomb was transported to Springfield Regional with a minor injury, and her three passengers were not injured. The crash remains under investigation, according to the OSHP. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Cuts to Humanities Texas to affect Permian Basin communities
May 9—On April 2, Humanities Texas was notified that its federal funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) had been terminated, effective immediately. For over 50 years, Humanities Texas programs have improved classroom teaching, supported libraries and museums, and created opportunities for lifelong learning across the state, a news release said. The loss of federal funding — approximately 65% of the organization's annual budget — will have a devastating effect on Texas communities, the release said. Over 140 teachers from 55 schools in the Permian Basin region have participated in Humanities Texas's free professional development programs. Humanities Texas has awarded 122 grants to 60 area organizations, and the council's traveling exhibitions have been displayed 133 times at 38 local venues. Recent grantees and venues include the Museum of the Southwest, Midland Historical Society, Ector County Library, the Heritage Museum of Big Spring, and Sul Ross State University. Permian Basin organizations have also served as partners for Humanities Texas's Texas Storytime family reading program, local teacher professional development programs, grants workshops, and film screenings. These programs contribute to Texas's thriving economy, culture, and civic life and create opportunities for the connection and meaningful conversation that representative democracy demands. "The support and guidance provided by Humanities Texas has been extremely important to our museum, community, and region," Christine Holcomb, executive director of the Historic White-Pool House in Odessa, said in the release. "Our legacy and authenticity are at great risk on a daily basis. Through Humanities Texas's teamwork, we have been able to preserve and promote that which gives us our distinctive culture." "We are basically an underserved region of Texas," Holcomb continued. "Cuts to funding demonstrate a misunderstanding of the importance of our collective history. Once history is lost, it cannot be fully restored. Being able to visit and participate in our history is a gift and immeasurable way to connect the generations." Like its fellow state humanities councils, Humanities Texas pursues its mission as a public-private partnership, leveraging federal dollars with state and private funding. Without NEH support, Humanities Texas loses the operating grant that not only supports its service to Texans statewide but also catalyzes local investment from individuals, foundations, and corporations. Everyday Americans will feel this loss. Those most negatively impacted will be citizens in rural communities, veterans, seniors, families with young children, students, and teachers, the release said. "Without federal support," said Executive Director Eric Lupfer, "we will be forced to make significant cuts to programs that promote local heritage and history and strengthen the capacity of grassroots cultural and educational organizations." To learn how you can help protect the state humanities councils, visit the Humanities Texas website at
