Porter's Publication: Monthly Update for September
Mental Health America School Violence Panel Luncheon
On Oct. 9, Mental Health America of Indiana (MHA) will be hosting a Panel Luncheon at Martin University to help parents who worry about school violence. MHA is here to support your family as you navigate the emotional and mental health impacts of school shootings and other violent incidents.
The Luncheon Panel will have discussion points around preventing school violence and supporting schools impacted by these incidents. Experts will discuss current efforts, including statewide programs and community initiatives, that enhance safety and provide mental health support to students.
To register, click the link here. For additional resources, visit: Indiana School Safety Hub or Central Indiana Stop School Violence Initiative.
Register to Vote before Oct. 7!
Since it’s fall, Indiana’s voter registration deadline is quickly approaching. Monday, Oct. 7 is the deadline to register to vote before the election. To vote, you must be a U.S. citizen over the age of 18 who’s lived in the precinct for 30 days.
Visit IndianaVoters.com to register online or register in person at the local county clerk’s office. If you’re unable to vote in person and need to request an absentee ballot, click this link. Indiana has new requirements for absentee voting by mail. Absentee voters will be asked to provide one of the following numbers on their absentee ballot application:
Indiana Driver’s License Number
Indiana Identification Card Number
Unique Voter Identification Number
Last Four Digits of your Social Security Number
OR
Provide a copy of a Government-issued Photo ID (driver’s license, BMV ID card, passport etc.)
Early voting starts on Oct. 8 and General Election Day is Nov. 5. Voting is one of the most important actions you can take to ensure that your voice is heard in our democracy!
Prepare for IndyGo’s Purple Line!
On Oct. 13, IndyGo’s Purple Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route will launch. To ensure riders along 38th Street and Post Road are prepared for the upcoming changes, IndyGo is seeking community members to volunteer as Purple Line Ambassadors during the launch week of Oct. 14 -18. Purple Line Ambassadors will be located at stations throughout the corridor to educate and assist riders on how to pay and use Indianapolis’ newest route.
Those interested in becoming an ambassador can fill out the registration form HERE. All will receive a follow-up email with additional information. Ambassadors will be required to attend a training session to prepare them for the opportunity.
Additionally, IndyGo invites everyone to check out the Prepare for Purple webpage HERE for helpful information about our new route! For those wanting to learn more, IndyGo is hosting the following events:
East 38th Street Library | Monday, Sept. 23 | noon – 2 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m. | Focus – Routes 4 and 39, Purple Line
P30 Coworking Space | Tuesday, Sept. 24 | noon – 2 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m. | Focus – Route 4 and 39, Purple Line
Fort Ben Library | Monday, Sept. 30 | noon – 2 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m. | Focus – Route 4 and 39, Purple Line
Indiana's adult education programs have a huge economic impact
There are a number of reasons why adult Hoosiers return to school to finish their education. Some wish to obtain a high school equivalency diploma, go to college or dive directly into a new occupation. Many Hoosier adults meet their educational and career goals through Indiana’s Adult Education programs. Hoosiers can also obtain certificates in high-demand fields like advanced manufacturing, building and construction, health and life sciences, IT and business services, and transportation and logistics.
According to data from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD), participation in adult education programs increased by 25% from July 2023 to July 2024. Last year, more than 2,700 Hoosiers earned industry-recognized credentials through our adult education programs. Investing in adult education programs is proven to boost the economy and well-being of those who participate.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that a secondary credential improves wages by about $8,900 annually. This salary increase has boosted Indiana’s economy by over $35 million. It’s clear that when we invest in education, we reap the benefits of that investment tenfold.
Click here to learn more about adult education programs available to Hoosiers
Intern with the Indiana House Democratic Caucus
Applications to intern with the Indiana House Democratic Caucus for the upcoming 2025 legislative session are now open! Our internship program allows the chance to gain hands-on experience in a variety of fields while helping legislators pass bills that impact the lives of Hoosiers across the state.
The program runs from Jan. to May of 2025 and is open to college sophomores and recent graduates. Opportunities are available to intern in legislative and constituent services, policy analysis, fiscal analysis, communications and the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus.
Government touches all aspects of our society. This program helps young professionals develop valuable skills while opening doors to a variety of career paths including business, advocacy work, public service, law and more. All internships are full-time, paid positions. Deadline to apply is Oct. 31, with the priority deadline on Oct. 15.
Relevant Articles
The last day to register to vote in Indiana is almost here. How to do it before the deadline
Voucher Dilemma: Taxpayer cost jumped from $15.5 million to more than $300 million
As Indiana expands apprenticeship efforts, researchers make recommendations for policymakers
FSSA provides update on growing waitlist, hears about provider issues under managed care
Hoosier girls in distress: 2024 report finds uptick in homelessness, mental health issues
How you can help Miracle and other sickle cell patients at blood drive
https://mirrorindy.org/indianapolis-sickle-cell-minority-blood-drive-versiti-indiana-blood-center/
Behind on your AES bill? Disconnections are coming back soon.
https://mirrorindy.org/aes-indiana-electric-bill-utility-resuming-disconnections-late-fees/
In service,
State Rep. Gregory W. Porter
