Below is a list of the projects and communities awarded funds in Senate District 27.
Fayette County is receiving $250,000 to provide funds for a business grant making program to assist its hardest hit manufacturers and retail businesses. The goal is to provide businesses with short-term working capital to continue operations, reopen businesses, restock inventory or pay for technology for remote working.
The city of Richmond is receiving $250,000 to create a grant program for Center City District businesses that are struggling from COVID-19 and who are at risk of low-to-moderate income job losses.
Randolph County is receiving $250,000 to provide grant assistance to local businesses with help from the Randolph County Community and Economic Development Foundation.
The town of Fountain City is receiving $40,765 to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) for the local volunteer fire department, along with a commercial washer and dryer to sanitize their turn-out gear.
Union County is receiving $10,000 to purchase equipment and install internet "hot spots" around the county courthouse in the Town of Liberty. Union County is also receiving $71,750 to provide COVID-19 testing PPE for emergency response personnel.
"I commend local leaders for their work to secure this funding and am confident this money will go the distance for our district," Raatz said. "I am grateful we were able to receive this financial assistance and look forward to the positive impact it will bring to our communities."
More projects will be announced as they continue to be evaluated and reviewed by OCRA.
For further information on the program, click here.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Indiana and the nation have struggled to get students back in the classroom. The rate of chronic absenteeism in the state reached an all-time high during the 2021-2022 school year and remains much higher than the 2019-2020 school year. To address this issue, I authored a law setting the groundwork for future legislation and requiring schools to create a truancy prevention policy.
