Across the country, Americans are being denied the opportunity to have their day in court due to an overload of cases and a shortage of judges. For decades, Indiana and a number of other states have faced these judicial emergencies. In fact, in 2019, the judges in the Southern District of Indiana each had over 1,100 cases, which is almost three times the recommended number.
 
The closure of courts due to coronavirus and our growing civil challenges have exacerbated these judicial emergencies, and the need for action is more urgent than ever before. A comprehensive authorization of new judges hasn’t occurred since 1990 – 30 years ago. That’s why I am introducing bipartisan legislation to increase the number of federal district judges in the most overworked regions of the country.
 
Read more about my proposal for addressing judicial emergencies in my op-ed published by the Indy Star. 

Telehealth Services for Hoosiers

As we continue to navigate the coronavirus pandemic, telehealth services are becoming increasingly important to our healthcare system. With weekly telehealth visits having spiked 1000 percent after coronavirus spread nationwide in March, it's important that we continue to support these services for Hoosiers.
 
Last week, I visited the Oaklawn Psychiatric Center to see firsthand the role telehealth has played in providing crucial patient services for mental health and addiction treatment during the pandemic.

Housing Affordability Roundtable 

Housing affordability is more important than ever as we continue to navigate the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. On Tuesday, I joined a roundtable discussion with LaCasa, a non-profit housing agency with locations in Goshen and Elkhart. We discussed my efforts to address housing affordability, create jobs, and encourage economic development for Hoosiers, especially during this time when many families are struggling to make ends meet. 

Meeting with St. Joseph County Police Department

Since the tragic killing of George Floyd, Americans have been calling for police reform. I’ve spent the last several weeks speaking with a diverse array of leaders and communities across Indiana who have all called for change. I also sat down with Sheriff Redman and the St. Joseph’s County Police Department last week to thank them for their service and discuss necessary actions to rebuild trust and protect Hoosiers. 

Touring REAL Services 

On Wednesday, I visited the REAL Services facility and toured their Meals on Wheels program that provides meals for roughly 30,000 people in northern Indiana. After being adversely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, I was happy to learn that with the help of the Paycheck Protection Program they were able to retain all 230 employees. As the son of a small business owner, I will continue to look out for our Hoosier small businesses.

Resolution Honors Gold Star Families 

I recently helped introduce a resolution designating Sept. 20-26, 2020, as “Gold Star Families Remembrance Week” to honor the families of fallen members of the Armed Forces.
 
Gold Star Families Remembrance Week precedes Gold Star Mother’s Day, observed since 1936 on the last Sunday of September. The resolution designates an official time to recognize the families of U.S. military servicemembers who lost their lives in service to the nation.
 
Gold Star Families have sacrificed and bear a burden that most of us cannot fully understand, yet they are are devoted to America and selflessly work to honor the memories of their fallen family members. A week of remembrance is the least we can do to honor them for their sacrifice and courage. 
 
Click here to learn more.

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Thank you for the continued privilege to serve you in the U.S. Senate. My mission is to fight on behalf of Hoosiers and the interests that are unique to our state. I look forward to working with you, and sharing our progress, in the days ahead.

In Service,