Government

By: U.S. Department of Labor Press Office— WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced that the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation’s (FPUC) weekly unemployment compensation boost is now being paid to eligible individuals in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. FPUC is authorized under Section 2104 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act (Pub. L. 116-136), and provides an additional $600 weekly payment to certain eligible individuals who are receiving other benefits. “I am pleased to report that as of yesterday, all 50 states and the District of Columbia are offering the additional…

By: Press Office of Greg Pence— Columbus, IN – U.S. Congressman Greg Pence (IN-06) today announced $348,000 in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants from the Department of Transportation. The CARES Act, passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump, allocated AIP grants totaling $9.1 billion of the $10 billion provided for airports in the Act. “The CARES Act, signed into law by President Trump, includes critical support for our airports affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. I am in Congress to support Hoosiers and make sure the Sixth District of Indiana has a voice in D.C., and that is…

By: Will Wiquist— Washington DC—Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai thanked radio and television broadcasters for their tireless efforts during the coronavirus outbreak, including running public service announcements on social distancing, airing educational programming to help with distance learning, expanding COVID-19 reporting, and holding fundraisers to help those who have faced financial hardship due to the virus. “As always, in times of emergency, broadcasters are stepping up to serve their communities and help keep people informed, healthy, and safe,” said Chairman Pai. “From airing PSAs on social distancing to supporting distance learning with educational programming, broadcasters are going above and…

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…