Update on Storm Recovery Resources

On August 25, President Trump approved Governor Braun’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration following the severe storms, tornadoes, winds, and flooding that began on August 11. The declaration makes additional federal assistance available to help Hoosiers and communities recover.

Hoosiers in counties designated for Individual Assistance who experienced damage or losses from the August storms can now apply directly to FEMA for disaster assistance, and the Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest disaster loans to eligible Indiana businesses, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters affected by severe storms, winds, tornadoes, and flooding. 

For information on storm recovery resources and specific steps on how to apply for FEMA assistance or an SBA loan, click here.

Improving Rural Health Care in Indiana

Indiana’s rural counties play an essential role in supporting our economy and feeding the nation, yet they face unique health care challenges. 

This week, the Trump Administration announced that a $120 million investment is being delivered to strengthen rural health and expand access to high-quality care for Hoosiers through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The RHTP will support Indiana’s Grow Rural Opportunities for Well-being (GROW) regional grants and improve access to health care. 

These investments will support locally driven solutions across eight regions of the state including removing barriers to technology, transportation, and health education. They will provide nutritional support and counseling with community-specific pilot programs that will address the impact food and nutrition have on individuals' health. This funding will also help address prevention and management of chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity.

I want to thank Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator of the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and the Trump Administration for investing in the health of Hoosiers.

Read more here.

Hoosier Veterans in Washington

I am glad members of my team could spend time with Hoosier veterans visiting Washington this week with Honor Flight Northeast Indiana, including 99-year-old Bill Hoover, Sr., who served as a medic during World War II. Thank you to all of these Hoosier heroes for your service.

Ivy Tech Workforce Pell Grants

The U.S. Department of Education recently announced that Ivy Tech has been chosen for the nation's second Workforce Pell Grant program. These new Workforce Pell Grants are made possible by the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which I voted for last year. The grants help fund career-focused, short-term training programs lasting between 8 and 15 weeks.

Ivy Tech’s eight-week medical assistant program is just the second program in the nation approved for these new grants. It’s great to see Ivy Tech and Indiana leading the way. 

Read more here.

Jobs, Investment in West Lafayette

Last week, SK hynix broke ground on an over $4 billion advanced packaging fabrication and R&D facility in West Lafayette, which will provide new opportunities for Purdue students and Hoosier workers. This historic investment was made possible in part by the CHIPS and Science Act, landmark legislation I helped author and pass to strengthen domestic semiconductor manufacturing and bring high-tech investment and jobs back to the United States.

SK hynix expects the project to create approximately 7,000 direct and indirect jobs through construction, operations, partner companies, and related industries.

SK hynix also announced a research and development partnership with Purdue University focused on advanced packaging technologies. More than 150 materials, components, and equipment partners are discussing participation in the local supply chain, further strengthening Indiana’s growing semiconductor ecosystem.

This historic investment in West Lafayette is further proof that Indiana is leading the way in rebuilding America’s semiconductor industry. This project will create good-paying jobs, strengthen our national and economic security, and ensure the technologies of the future are developed and manufactured here in the United States. I was proud to help make this investment possible through the CHIPS and Science Act, and I look forward to seeing the impact it will have on Hoosiers and our country for decades to come.

To watch some of my comments from the groundbreaking ceremony, click here or the image above.

Secretary of the Navy Nominee

This week, President Donald Trump officially nominated Hung Cao to serve as the next Secretary of the Navy. I want to congratulate my fellow Naval Academy graduate on his well-deserved selection. Hung has already done great work to modernize our Navy, and I look forward to supporting his nomination in the Senate. 

Help for Hoosiers 

Navigating federal agencies can be difficult. My staff and I are here to assist Hoosiers who are having trouble receiving benefits, have questions regarding a program or procedure, or have not heard back from these agencies in a timely manner.

Learn more about how we can help here.

Local News

Star Press – Disaster recovery center coming to fairgrounds through Saturday

NWI Times – Greater Lafayette to be an 'ecosystem' for chip making, officials say

21 Alive News – ‘None of us are guaranteed a day’: 99-year-old WWII veteran cleared for Honor Flight

13 WTHR – Second national Workforce Pell Grant approved for Ivy Tech in Indiana

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,