Responsibly Ending the Public Health Emergency

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Indiana has been under a statewide public health emergency, allowing many state government decisions to be made by the governor via executive orders.

In order to end this emergency declaration, the governor and lawmakers have identified key issues that need to be addressed through legislation.

Senate Bill 3 would ensure Indiana continues to receive certain benefits for those who still need them; that recently retired, graduated or out-of-state health care professionals can still temporarily practice; and that the state can still hold voluntary community vaccination clinics as needed.

At present, those items are made possible through executive orders issued by the governor. Introducing this bill through the normal route – the General Assembly’s legislative process – ensures public testimony and conversations about the best practices going forward are had in an open and deliberate manner.

Indiana has continued to adapt and respond to the hardships the pandemic has brought, and we believe the normal legislative process is well-equipped to address any other issues that may remain.

To learn about this bill and others being considered this session, http://iga.in.gov/          

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THE INDIANA SMALL Business Development Center recently announced applications are open for the Indiana Technical Assistance Program (INTAP) through Feb. 20. This statewide initiative connects small businesses with critical professional assistance to complete growth and improvement projects.

Through INTAP, small businesses may apply to receive up to $15,000 in professional services from a qualified vendor to complete projects that require specialized assistance or technical expertise such as app or technology development, intellectual property legal assistance and grant writing assistance.

To learn more and to apply, https://isbdc.org/indiana-technical-assistance-program-intap/

Sen. Phil Boots represents Montgomery, Fountain, Parke, Vermillion and Warren counties and a portion of Boone County. He is one of the shareholders of The Paper of Montgomery County.