Last week, venues across Indiana and the United States illuminated their exteriors in red to show support for my RESTART Act. This show of support comes at a critical time for Hoosier businesses that have been sidelined by the pandemic.

The RESTART Act, would provide a long-term, partially forgivable working capital loan based on revenue decline for the businesses hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic and government-mandated closures. The entertainment industry has been hit particularly hard. Wemakeevents.org, which organized the demonstration, says 96 percent of companies in the live event industry, many of which are small businesses, have been forced to cut staff.

Virtual Meeting with the Clinton and Napanee Chambers of Commerce

I spoke with the Clinton and Napanee Chambers of Commerce last week about my RESTART Act and how it will help countless businesses in their respective regions and across the country. The Clinton and Napanee Chambers of Commerce represent the voices of local business and community leaders. It is crucial that we provide necessary support to keep our small business community afloat during this time of uncertainty.

The Police Pledge 

Indiana’s law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to protect our communities and they deserve our support. Defunding the police won’t bring about the changes we need. That’s why I signed Heritage Action's Police Pledge to show my support. 

Proposed Pilot Program Modeled After My DRIVE-Safe Act

Last Friday, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced a new pilot program modeled after my DRIVE-Safe Act which would allow 18 to 20-year old commercial driver’s license holders to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce while taking part in an apprenticeship program.

The DRIVE-Safe Act would establish an apprenticeship program that would allow for the legal operation of commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce by commercial driver’s license holders under the age of 21. The apprenticeship training program would help ensure these drivers are trained beyond current standards while instituting rigorous safety standards and performance benchmarks. Though 49 states allow individuals to obtain a commercial driver’s license at the age 18, federal law currently prohibits those operators from moving goods from state to state until they are 21. This program would help address the nationwide driver shortage in the trucking and logistics industry and enhance safety training and job opportunities for young truckers.

Visit to Hancock Regional Hospital 

Since the onset of coronavirus, telehealth has become a lifeline offering safe treatment options for Hoosiers – especially our seniors and residents of rural communities. Earlier this year, I helped Hancock Regional Hospital receive $410,000 for telehealth upgrades. Last Tuesday, I was able to stop by their facility in Hancock County and see firsthand how these improvements are benefiting those in the community. 

Operation Legend 

Last week, I joined FBI Special Agent Paul Keenan to discuss Operation Legend, a joint effort to combine federal, state, and local resources to combat Indianapolis’s recent uptick in violent crime. This year, Indianapolis has already seen over 150 murders, a 60 percent increase from this time last year. It is critical that we get ahead of this wave of violent crime and keep our communities safe. 

For more, check out my interview with WIBC here. 

Labor Day 

During this time of uncertainty, it is especially important that we recognize the hardworking Hoosiers whose contributions make Indiana great. Thanks to these women and men, Indiana has maintained national leadership in manufacturing and agriculture, and our workforce is among the best in the nation. I will continue working to provide relief to those who are struggling during this challenging time, and I will not stop fighting for Hoosiers.

Social Media Recap

Join me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for regular updates. 

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,