Three Indiana Chamber-backed bills that would help expand broadband to all areas and populations of the state sailed through the House Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Committee on Monday:

  • Senate Bill 352 (Broadband Development), authored by Rep. Erin Houchin (R-Salem), adds more competition and transparency to the state’s spending of taxpayer dollars for the expansion of broadband.
  • Senate Bill 359 (Broadband Projects), authored by Rep. Scott Baldwin (R-Noblesville), offers a creative approach for local communities to fund broadband infrastructure to unserved areas that does not rely on state appropriations.
  • Senate Bill 377 (Broadband Development), authored by Sen. Andy Zay (R-Huntington), contemplates three buckets for distributing funds that will increase high-speed broadband access and adoption throughout the state. By giving employers the ability to apply for funds, they can circumvent the lengthy and unpredictable current rural broadband fund distribution process.


Final Vote on Bill Helping Small, Hospitality Businesses With Grants Expected Next Week

House Bill 1004 (Small Business Restart Grant Program), authored by Rep. Shane Lindauer (R-Jasper), establishes the Hoosier hospitality small business restart grant program to provide grants to eligible entities to accelerate economic recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. On Thursday, Rep. Lindauer filed a concurrence motion agreeing with the Senate version of the bill, which notably had a $60 million appropriation from the coronavirus relief fund. The House previously had a $30 million appropriation from the state general fund (prior to the federal stimulus package passing). A concurrence vote by the full House is now expected next week. Businesses eligible to apply for grants go beyond the hospitality industry to include those in any others that have suffered economic harm as a result of the coronavirus disease.


New Coolest Thing Made in Indiana Competition Honors Manufacturing Tradition, Builds on March Madness Enthusiasm

As the state enjoys the spotlight during this year’s NCAA March Madness, the Indiana Chamber has announced the Coolest Thing Made in Indiana competition to celebrate the state’s long manufacturing history. Companies entered in the tournament will face off in a single-elimination bracket format.

While Indiana is known for its sports prowess, agriculture and Hoosier Hospitality, we’re also the most manufacturing-intensive state in the nation. This competition is a fun way to celebrate our manufacturers and pair that with our affection for tournament basketball.

The program kicks off in October, but businesses canregister now to be notified when they can officially enter. To participate, a company does not need to be headquartered in Indiana, but the product entered must be manufactured in the state. Companies are limited to having one product nominated.

We want to hear from companies that make all kinds of things. Businesses that have been around for decades or budding entrepreneurs. Our goal is to showcase the wide variety of manufacturing efforts taking place in the state that have helped our economy thrive.

Winners will be chosen through public fan voting, with the products receiving the highest votes in each matchup moving to a subsequent round. The number of votes received will be reset at the beginning of each round.

All companies in the tournament field will receive recognition. Those reaching the Final Four will receive prizes – with the champion earning a trophy, a feature article in the Indiana Chamber’s statewide BizVoice® magazine and an invitation to appear on the IN Chamber podcast, among other benefits.

Learn more about the Coolest Thing Made in Indiana contest at www.indianachamber.com/coolestthing.

Resources: Adam H. Berry at (317) 264-6892 or email: aberry@indianachamber.com and Kevin Brinegar at (317) 264-6882 or email: kbrinegar@indianachamber.com