Public celebrates life of Gov. Otis R. Bowen

Hoosiers gathered from across the state on Thursday to participate in a memorial celebration of the life of former Governor Otis R. Bowen. A number of speakers were featured during the service,  including Governor Pence, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and former colleagues of the late governor.  Bowen served as Indiana’s 44th governor from 1973-1981 before serving as the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Ronald Reagan. He passed away on Saturday, May 2nd at age 95.

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Statehouse pays tribute to former Governor Bowen

Hoosiers gathered to pay their respects this week at a memorial display honoring the late Governor Otis R. Bowen. Visitors to the site had an opportunity to add their signature to a condolence book and view the former governor’s bust and portrait which is regularly displayed in the building.

Bowen served as Indiana’s 44th governor from 1973-1981 before serving as the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Ronald Reagan. He passed away on Saturday, May 2nd at age 95.

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LANANE: Ruling confirms early concerns over controversial immigration law

INDIANAPOLIS—Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane released the following statement regarding today’s federal ruling on illegal immigration:

“The court’s ruling confirms the concerns that many of us who opposed the law had at the time it was originally considered.

“Not only do its measures unfortunately portray Indiana as intolerant, but the law has now also entangled our state in lengthy, time-consuming litigation, the only outcome of which is that many of its major provisions are held to be invalid.

“This ruling serves as a reminder to the legislature to be extremely careful when creating punitive public policy, which in the end, merely does a disservice to Hoosiers.

“It is my hope that moving forward, rather than creating short-sighted policies in need of lengthy legal review, we strive to create legislation that is inclusive and beneficial to all Hoosier families.

Week in Photos: March 25-28

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Indiana Black Legislative Caucus shows support for Minority Teacher Scholarship

Members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) are urging minority students considering a career in education to apply for the Minority Teacher Scholarship. Created by the 1988 Indiana General Assembly to address the critical shortage of black and hispanic teachers in Indiana, the program has expanded to include the fields of special education as well as occupational and physical therapy. The program is administered by the Division of Student Financial Aid (SFA) which is responsible for record keeping and for allotting funds to approved colleges and universities.

To be eligible the student must be:

• A minority student (defined as Black or Hispanic) seeking a teaching certification; or any student (minority and non-minority) seeking Special Education teaching certification, or Occupational or Physical Therapy certification.
• An Indiana resident and an eligible U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Admitted to an eligible institution as a full time student or already attending as a full time student.
• Pursuing or intending to pursue a course of study that would enable the student upon graduation to teach in an accredited elementary or secondary school in Indiana or practice as an Occupational or Physical Therapist in Indiana
• Complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Not be in default on a state or federally-funded student loan.
• Meet all minimum criteria established by SFA.

More information about the program and appolications can be found at the following link: 
http://www.in.gov/ssaci/2342.htm
 .

VIDEO: Hume reflects on passage of bills assisting veterans

State Senator Lindel Hume explains the importance of two veterans bills, including EMS certification for medically-trained veterans and property tax deductions for spouses of deceased veterans.

Sen. Stoops reflects on his first week in the legislature, new proposals

State Senator Mark Stoops (D-Bloomington) recaps his first week as a freshman legislator and his proposal for more public transit in Monroe County

Honoring Hoosiers who have served

If you or someone you know has served in our armed forces, we would like to feature your photo of the service member in uniform in a special message from the Senate Democrats. Please submit your photo with the name and branch of service of those pictured to INSenDems@gmail.com.

(Selected photos will be used in a public photo and/or video message. Permission for this use is implied by your submission.)

2012 Lemonade Day Kick-off

The south lawn of the statehouse was buzzing with activity Friday morning as visitors gathered to purchase a cup of lemonade and celebrate the kick-off of  2012 Lemonade Day. The program is part of a statewide effort to teach kids how to start, own and operate their own business through selling lemonade.

Keep an eye out for young entrepreneurs this weekend as kids across the state participate on Saturday May19! Find a Lemonade Day stand near you to join in the fun and support your local stand>>

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Indiana’s April unemployment numbers drop to 7.9%

Today, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) announced that Indiana’s unemployment rate for April 2012 fell slightly to 0.3 percent to 7.9 percent. The new numbers show Indiana sitting just under the U.S. rate of 8.1 percent.

Indiana’s unemployment rate remains lower than neighboring states Illinois (8.7 percent), Kentucky (8.3 percent) and Michigan (8.3 percent) however, is now higher than the unemployment rate in Ohio (7.4 percent).

• County with the highest unemployment rate: Fayette 10.7%
• County with the lowest unemployment rate: Dubois 5.1%

Employment Report (LAUS)

• Labor Force Estimates for U.S., Indiana, MSAs, Counties, Cities
• Ranking of Indiana Counties by Unemployment Rate
• Indiana County Map with Unemployment Rates

Jobs Report (CES)

• Seasonally-Adjusted Employment Table for Indiana
• Non-Seasonally-Adjusted Employment Table for Indiana
• Detail Employment Listing – Statewide & MSAs