Welcome to Campbell’s Catch Up, my new monthly newsletter, where I will provide legislative and community updates for you as your state representative for West Lafayette. Please reach out to my office at h26@iga.in.gov if you have any questions or concerns or thoughts on what you’d like to see in this newsletter.
Dear neighbor,
From August 14-16, Indianapolis hosted the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). Influential lawmakers from each of the 50 U.S. states convened in the convention center downtown to discuss policy, community outreach and much more. As a state leader, it was inspiring to see legislators visit and enjoy the city of Indianapolis.
During the three days of the conference, I attended multiple panels, seminars and discussions. Some of them included the Women’s Legislative Network Reception, an environmental roundtable and the opening ceremony at Lucas Oil Stadium. Each of the seminars highlighted nationwide issues and policies to solve them.
As a legislator, it was an honor to attend the conference and learn more about the relationship between the states and the federal government. The National Conference of State Legislatures was highly impactful. I am excited to use what I have learned in the upcoming 2024 Legislation Session.
The National Caucus of Environmental Legislators
From August 10- 12, I attended the 2023 National Forum for the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL). Over 100 state legislators attended from 39 states and territories attended the forum in Indianapolis. At the event, lawmakers had the opportunity to discuss policy solutions related to clean energy, climate change, conservation and environmental health.
As State Rep. of Tippecanoe Co., I was particularly interested in the topics of water management and utility policies. Some of other topic covered at the forum included plastic pollution, wildlife agencies and endangered species, electric vehicle charging, emerging energy technologies, indigenous leadership and partnership on environmental issues and coastal conservation. Along with informational sessions, lawmakers heard from keynote speakers. One of the speakers was Janet McCabe who is he Deputy Administrator of the U.S Environmental Protection Agency.
This was a wonderful opportunity and learning experience. Part of NCEL’s vision is empowering state leadership to create a clean and healthy environment for all. For more information about the NCEL and the 2023 from click here.
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Update on Interim Study Committees
On August 23, the Medicaid Advisory Committee met for the first time this interim. At this meeting, we discussed health equity initiatives and listened to public testimonies. The main objective of the meeting was provide an update on the return to normal operations post pandemic.
A part of the return to normalcy has been Medicaid eligibility redeterminations. Before COVID-19 paused re-enrollment, members had to renew their coverage eligibility annually. With the process resumed, many Hoosiers have lost their coverage due to procedural reasons. Around 53,000 Hoosiers were disenrolled in April, and the number worsened with another 53,600 dropped in May. Strategies to curb the rising number of disenrollments, such as expanded re-enrollment incentives, were proposed at the meeting. Also the committee discussed funding for Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy, maternal health care and eliminating prejudice in healthcare.
Other state officials on the committee were State Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis), State Rep. Rita Fleming (D-Jeffersonville), Senator Jean Breaux (D- Indianapolis) and Senator Shelli Yoder (D- Bloomington). It is an honor to serve on this committee and I look forward to further collaboration with the Family and Social Services Administration.
What people can do if they’ve lost their Medicaid coverage:
For those who have already been disenrolled from Medicaid, there is a 90 day period to resubmit your paperwork. If you’re past 90 days, you will have to reapply for coverage. If you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, visit the Health Insurance Marketplace at healthcare.gov for additional coverage options. In addition, some children may remain eligible even if their parents no longer qualify. Some may also qualify for retroactive coverage, but those under the Healthy Indiana Plan cannot receive retroactive coverage. To review your eligibility, contact your local Division of Family Resources, call the FSSA at 800-403-0864 or visit fssabenefits.in.gov. A list of FAQs about Medicaid enrollment is available here.
LEAP District Pipeline from the Wabash River to Lebanon
In late July, the Indiana Economic Development Commission completed their tests on the Wabash Valley aquifer. The IEDC conducted tests on the Wabash River and aquifer for the LEAP district’s proposed pipeline. The Limitless Exploration/ Advanced Pace (LEAP) district is a site in Lebanon that will be home to a massive tech and manufacturing park. However, Lebanon’s water resources cannot support such an enormous site. A proposed solution to this problem is to pipe water 50 miles from the Wabash River to Lebanon.
For the local leaders, environmental experts and residents of Tippecanoe County, the pipeline project has provoked concerns. The concerns stem from a lack of transparency, conflicting information and the IEDC’s unwillingness to engage with the public. Local leaders and residents have been confused about the future of the project and if the aquifer can withstand the water transfer. As a state representative of Tippecanoe County, I released the following statement:
“As a resident of West Lafayette, I know the importance of the Wabash River to the community and its water supply. The lack of information given to residents, leaders and environmentalists by the state is frightening. Many residents who live along the Wabash are unaware of the pipeline project and have been confused by initial drilling. The IEDC’s secrecy here is the opposite of the so-called small government at work in Indiana. The state government has come into Tippecanoe County to use its resources and has told the public little to nothing about it.
“It’s past time for the state government to be upfront about their intentions. The IEDC needs to fully share its plans and study the impact of this project. The IEDC and all parties involved have failed to respect Tippecanoe County residents’ right to information about what is happening in their backyard. As the state representative for West Lafayette, I urge state and IEDC officials to slow the pipeline project, properly assess its impact and share all the information with the public.”
I hope that the residents of Tippecanoe county will get the information and answers they need. For more information on the pipeline and the ongoing issues click here.
Applications for Statehouse Internship now open
The Indiana Statehouse is now accepting applications for internship opportunities through Oct. 31. Throughout the legislative session, college students have an opportunity to work with elected officials and their staff. The partisan internship has opportunities for legislative and constituent services, policy analysis, communications, fiscal analysis and graphic design. For more information on the internship and to apply, click here.
Happy Labor Day!
Sincerely,
State Rep. Chris Campbell
Good work, Chris!
I’m glad you’re there. We need your voice.
Jeanne VERVILLE
Thank you for sending out these updates. It's hard to get news around here!