New office holders, solar energy, presidential immunity, Booth Tarkington

La Keisha Jackson was recently selected by precinct chairs as senator for District 34, succeeding Sen. Jean Breaux, D-Indianapolis, who passed away in March. Jackson has worked in community and social services for over 20 years and has has represented District 15 as Indianapolis City-County councilor since 2014.

IBLC Chair Rep. Earl Harris, D-East Chicago: "The Indiana Black Legislative Caucus would like to extend a warm welcome to the newest member of the Indiana General Assembly. Though Sen.-elect Jackson joins us under tragic circumstances with the passing of our dear colleague Sen. Breaux, there is no doubt in our minds that she will work tirelessly for the betterment of our state, the Democratic Caucus and the IBLC.

"Sen.-elect Jackson certainly has large shoes to fill, but we are confident that she will rise to the occasion. The IBLC is eager to hit the ground running and work alongside Sen.-elect Jackson to create a stronger, healthier state."

Democratic precinct committee persons in Fort Wayne elected City Councilwoman Sharon Tucker on Saturday to fill the remaining term of longtime Mayor Tom Henry, who passed away last month. She is the first African American and second female mayor of Fort Wayne.

Indiana Democratic Party Chair Mike Schmuhl: “Fort Wayne was incredibly blessed to have Mayor Henry’s leadership for nearly two decades, and Mayor-elect Tucker will continue to lead the city in a positive direction. Hoosier Democrats are Indiana’s party of firsts, and we’re proud to see Indiana’s second largest city elect its first African American mayor, adding to the record number of Black mayors across the state.

“We are excited to see Mayor-elect Tucker’s vision to continue moving the city forward, and congratulate the local party and community on a successful caucus process.”

On Monday, the EPA announced the awardees of the $7 billion Solar For All competition. This grant opportunity was made available to states, territories, municipalities and eligible nonprofits through the Inflation Reduction Act’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to provide low-income and disadvantaged households across America with access to solar energy. 

From the press release: “A coalition of Indiana organizations and cities that have been working towards energy justice were chosen by the EPA to make these funds available to residents and community projects. This coalition is led by the Indiana Community Action Association and includes Black Sun Light Sustainability in partnership with Indiana State Conference of the NAACP, the Indiana Energy Independence Fund, Energy Matters Community Coalition, Faith in Place, Solar United Neighbors of Indiana, Earth Charter Indiana, and the cities of Fort Wayne, Gary, and Indianapolis. …

“The Solar for All funds will not only provide an essential reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, but also energy resilience, improved air quality, new jobs in the growing green technology sector, and home energy savings for struggling Hoosiers. Several projects by the Indiana coalition will also be new community solar installations. Community solar is a necessary tool for providing clean energy access to multifamily housing, renters, and those without ideal rooftop spaces.”

Indiana Solar United Neighbors Program Director Zach Schalk: “The sun shines everywhere, but historically not everyone has been able to benefit from solar energy. Solar for All offers an unprecedented opportunity to equitably expand access to the benefits of local solar energy to more Hoosiers than ever before. This investment will empower families around the state to save money and take control of where their energy comes from."

Gov. Eric J. Holcomb and First Lady Janet Holcomb returned Friday from a trade mission with leaders from the agbiosciences and agriculture sectors as well as representatives of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). 

From the press release: “Brazil and Mexico, like Indiana, both share robust agbiosciences and agricultural industries, advancing global services, products and solutions across agriculture, food production and animal health. Indiana trade between Brazil and Mexico topped $1.7 billion and $13.4 billion in 2023, respectively, and the state is already home to 14 Brazil-based and 13 Mexico-based business establishments. The Governor’s trip was an opportunity for some of Indiana’s leading agtech thinkers and innovators to share expertise and highlight Indiana’s $58 billion-dollar ag economy in two key markets. More broadly, the trip to Mexico also highlighted new opportunities in emerging industries such as microelectronics and e-mobility.”

Attorney General Todd Rokita is calling for presidential immunity be given to former President Donald Trump.

Rokita: “As president, Donald Trump built a strong economy, secured the border and brought America back to greatness. Ever since he left office, his political enemies have schemed ways to keep him from ever becoming president again. Our mission is to make sure the American people, rather than these corrupt elitists, keep the power to choose the American president. …

“The Left has made an art form out of weaponizing our judicial institutions against their political adversaries. No matter which side does it, that kind of manipulation is wrong and dangerous to our republic. The Supreme Court has an opportunity to help right the ship.”

On April 27, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is sponsoring the 26th nationwide “Prescription Drug Take Back” initiative, which seeks to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft through proper disposal of prescription drugs.

From the press release: “Collection sites will be set up nationwide for expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs which will be properly disposed of without threat to the environment.  This program is for liquid and pill medications.  Vaping pens without batteries and vaping cartridges will also be taken.  Needles, new or used, WILL NOT be accepted for disposal.  This service is free and anonymous with no questions asked.

“This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.  Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

“In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—pose both potential safety and health hazards.

“Once again, the Indiana State Police is pleased to partner with the DEA, and as in the past, unwanted medications may be dropped off at any Indiana State Police Post, except for the Toll Road Post.  The event will be on Saturday, April 27, 2024, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. …

“To locate the State Police Post closest to your home or business, click this link for Indiana State Police on the Map. To find other locations in Indiana or across the U.S. that are participating in the Drug Take Back initiative, click this link to the DEA.

On May 7, architectural historian Benjamin L. Ross will present an illustrated talk at Indiana Landmarks Center using Indiana Booth Tarkington’s work and historic photos to explore Indianapolis, highlighting the real landmarks and neighborhoods—such as historic Woodruff Place and Fletcher Place—that the author used to show the city’s transformation. The event takes place at 6 p.m. May 7. For tickets: BoothTarkingtonTalk24.eventbrite.com or 317-639-4534

From the press release: “In the early twentieth century, one of America’s most famous writers, Booth Tarkington, called Indianapolis home, taking inspiration from the city for his best-selling novels as sprawling suburbs, booming industry, and increasing numbers of automobiles led to rapid changes in the city’s nineteenth-century core.

“A Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist, Tarkington chronicled this period of intense growth in three novels, “The Turmoil” (1915), “The Magnificent Ambersons” (1918), and “The Midlander” (1923), weaving together the rise and fall of great families, the excesses of nouveau-riche industrialists, the loss of local landmarks, and the effects of burgeoning industrialization and suburban expansion.”

Ross: “Tarkington’s work highlights the rapid transformation of Indianapolis during that period as tall apartment buildings and skyscrapers went up right next to familiar old landmarks. It was a period of rapid change unlike anything that has happened in our lifetimes.”