Communities Receive $100 Million in Road Funding
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) recently awarded a combined $100 million to Indiana towns, cities and counties to improve their roads and bridges through the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program, which was established by the General Assembly in 2016.
Through this program, INDOT matches up to $1 million when localities invest in road and bridge repairs. Counties with populations below 50,000 and cities and towns with populations below 10,000 receive a 75/25 percent match, while counties with populations of at least 50,000 and cities and towns with populations of at least 10,000 receive a 50/50 percent match.
The full list of communities receiving matching funds in 2018 can be found here.
To track local road construction projects, click here.
Supporting Foster Parents
The Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) recently released a Foster Parent Bill of Rights, which includes a statement of the rights and responsibilities of Hoosier foster parents and provides channels for them to express their concerns.
The Foster Parent Bill of Rights is a result of Senate Enrolled Act 233, which I supported and the General Assemblypassed during the 2018 legislative session.
Under SEA 233, the DCS was required to form the Foster Parent Bill of Rights Group, who were tasked with creating the document. The group is made up of current foster parents, child-placing agencies and other individuals and organizations with expertise in foster-care services.
Foster parents selflessly take in the most vulnerable children in our state and deserve our full support every step of the way. The document promotes open conversation between foster parents and the DCS, helping all foster families sustain a healthy environment.
The Foster Parent Bill of Rights is available here.
To learn more about becoming a foster parent, click here.
Indiana State Police Applications Available
Applications for the 79th Indiana State Police (ISP) Recruit Academy are open now through Feb. 10. Those interested in a career as an ISP trooper can learn more about the opportunity and apply here.
Indiana Ranks Third for Lowest Cost of Living in Midwest
Indiana recently ranked third in the Midwest and ninth in the nation for lowest cost of living, according to a study by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. To see the full results of the study, click here.
Students in grades six through 12 are eligible to serve as a Senate Page for a day. Click here for more information.
Contact My Office
800-382-9467
Senator.Bassler@iga.in.gov