Government

By: U.S. Department of Labor— WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced more guidance to provide information to workers and employers about how each will be able to take advantage of the protections and relief offered by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which went into effect April 1, 2020. The guidance includes a comprehensive webinar explaining which employers are covered by the new law, which workers are eligible, and what benefits and protections the law provides. The Wage and Hour Division (WHD) also added additional Questions and Answers to its website in response to the…

By: Chad Kinsella, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Ball State University— Muncie, IN—During this difficult time, many people are looking for ways to help. Perhaps one of these easiest ways to impact our community right now is to complete the U.S. Census. A few minutes of your time will ensure that our community receives proper funding from the Federal government; that we are represented equally at every level of government; and that research on our community is accurate for the next decade. Every ten years, as mandated by the U.S. Constitution (Article 1, Section 2), the U.S. Census…

By: U.S. Senator Todd Young’s Office— Indianapolis, IN– U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) today released a comprehensive toolkit to help Hoosiers navigate the resources available in the Senate’s coronavirus emergency relief package that was signed into law yesterday, known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). “Now that the CARES Act has been signed into law, immediate relief is on the way to Hoosiers. To help Hoosiers navigate the CARES Act, and the relief it will provide, my team created a comprehensive toolkit to help individuals, small businesses, health care workers, and patients understand the relief measures that are…

By: National Civic League— Denver, CO—The City of Muncie has been named a finalist for the All-America City award presented by the National Civic League. The All America-City award recognizes communities that leverage civic engagement, collaboration, inclusiveness and innovation to successfully address local issues. Each of the finalist communities demonstrated civic engagement practices that are inspirational, inclusive and promising in their ability to unite members of the community to collectively and collaboratively help solve our country’s most pressing and complex issues. This year’s finalists focused specifically on enhancing health and well-being through civic engagement. The award, given to 10 communities…

By: Jase Crehan, Director of Communications, City of Muncie— At the Advice of the Delaware County Health Department, the City of Muncie Will Be Enacting Procedures to Limit Potential Exposure to COVID-19. Public Procedures At the direction of Jammie Bane, the administrator of the Delaware County Health Department, the City of Muncie will be taking precautions to help protect the health of its citizens and employees. Our goal is to limit exposure of COVID-19; these precautions, in no way, should cause concern. City Hall is open, and business is being conducted as usual. The following precautions will be implemented immediately…

By: Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief, MuncieJournal.com— Muncie, IN—”Do not fret. Better and brighter days are ahead for Muncie.” That was a recurring theme during Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour’s first State of the City address held on Saturday, March 7th in the Community Room of the Ivy Tech Fisher building in downtown Muncie. The Community Room was almost at capacity as Mayor Ridenour gave a 2 hour presentation of his administration’s first 67 days in office. “Muncie will be reborn,” he said. “We will be reborn with a local government that is honest, open and seeks excellence.” Highlights from the State of…

Editor’s Note: U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and the Coronavirus Task Force has asked that media outlets share the following document with the American public which was approved on Monday, March 9, 2020. This document features an easy to read format with bullet points and recommendations on how to keep your workplace, school and home safe from the coronavirus.   Click here to open and print the document.    For additional information, visit coronavirus.gov  

By: Press@Young.Senate.Gov— Indianapolis, IN– U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) released the following statement regarding the confirmed coronavirus case in Indiana: “As of this morning, the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) has confirmed the first Hoosier case of coronavirus. Under the leadership of Governor Holcomb, the state, in coordination with our medical community, was prepared and ready to respond. To further help our state and local governments in the days to come, I voted to pass $7.7 billion in emergency supplemental funding which has now been signed into law. I urge Hoosiers to continue following ISDH’s guidance to prevent the transmission…