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March 27, 2007 Your support is needed TODAY
By Beth Reilly Currently four million Darfurians are dependent on humanitarian aid due to the ongoing genocide in Darfur. According to a Reuters article last week, humanitarian access continues to shrink rapidly in Darfur as relief workers are attacked and intimidated. While in July 2005, international relief workers could reach some 90 percent of civilians in need, now they reach about 64 percent. The civilians in need are primarily women and children. Here in Indiana we have an opportunity to take action. House Bill 1484 would require our state to divest pension funds from a few dozen targeted companies that help financially support the genocidal government of Sudan. This bill passed with unanimous support from the House of Representatives. However, now in the Senate Pensions and Labor Committee, the Chair, Senator Kruse, is considering making the bill a resolution. A resolution would NOT carry the weight of the law and would thus be another demonstration of the fact that we know about the tragedy in Darfur and yet we refuse to take action to change the situation. Please contact Senator Kruse by phone or e-mail TODAY to let him know that we want legislation, not a resolution, that focuses on the genocide in Darfur to move from his committee to the Senate floor. If you send an e-mail, please copy all other members. Contact information and a sample e-mail is below. Thank you for your help … again. HOUSE BILL 1484: TARGETED DIVESTMENT FROM SUDAN:Indiana House Bill 1484 would require the Public Employees Retirement Fund (PERF) and the Teachers Retirement Fund (TRF) to divest from a targeted group of companies that are explicitly aiding and abetting the Sudanese government and their campaign of genocide in Darfur. The bill was developed in consultation with financial and legal experts, and protects Indiana’s portfolio returns. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:Although HB1484 passed out of the Indiana House of Representatives UNANIMOUSLY, it is on the verge of DYING in the Senate Pensions & Labor Committee. As Chairman of the Senate Pensions Committee, Senator Kruse will give the bill its FINAL hearing in Committee on Wednesday, March 28th at 9 a.m., at which time amendments to the bill will be considered. Problematic amendments that threaten to KILL the bill have been authored by Committee members that: (1) change the bill from a “shall” to a “may” provision, thereby allowing PERF/TRF NOT to divest if they so choose; and (2) dangerously broaden the focus of Divestment beyond the companies supporting the Sudanese government’s genocidal activities. There is also talk of making the bill into a Resolution, which would NOT bind PERF/TRF to divest. IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED NO LATER THAN TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2007Call or e-mail ALL Members of the Senate Pensions & Labor Cmte, as well as the Senate President Pro Tem, Senator Long.
Contact Info for Members of the Senate Pensions & Labor Committee and Senate President Long:
Senate leaders propose crack down of illegal gambling in IndianaINDIANAPOLIS – Citing a proliferation of illegal video gambling machines, members of a key Senate committee are considering a crackdown on bars, truck stops, clubs and other retailers caught with the devices, according to the Louisville Courier-Journal. The plan developed by Senate Republican leaders would be the legislature's first significant step toward rooting out the tens of thousands of machines that operate under names like Cherry Master and Pot O' Gold. But the proposal comes as bar owners and some other lawmakers are pushing to legalize the machines, regulate them and tax their earnings. Senator David Long of Fort Wayne, president pro tempore of the Senate, postponed a vote on the proposal Monday night in the Rules Committee he chairs, saying members needed more time to learn about the issue and consider their options. The committee is considering an amendment to House Bill 1510, a charity gambling regulation measure. The amendment would provide nearly $2 million for 25 police officers who would be dedicated to investigating illegal gambling. The measure also would increase the criminal penalties for people charged a second time with promoting professional gambling. Further, it would authorize the state to revoke lottery contracts, retail merchant permits and state licenses that allow the sale of tobacco and alcohol held by any company or organization found with illegal gambling machines. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS ABOUT THE GOVERNOR’S MEETINGSince posting the story last night about the Bishop’s and other church leaders’ meeting with Governor Daniels on Monday morning, e-HUM has received several request asking about the Governor’s comments about the Marriage Amendment. During the meeting with Governor Daniels, The Rev. Rick Spleth, regional minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), brought to the Governor’s attention a letter signed by a multitude of religious leaders across the state, including many United Methodists, pointing out that the “Marriage Amendment” would strip civil rights from committed same-gender couples. The Governor said he realizes that the second part of the amendment can be problematic and that he has heard from businesses on this issue. He is also watching the amendment as it has been passed by legislatures in around 20 states. He received the information but did not make any substantive comments about it. Spleth commented back to the governor that he felt Indiana should be a state noted for its hospitality and that this amendment would make such hospitality difficult. The issue of handguns in state parks also came up. Last year the Governor signed an executive order permitting handguns in state park. The Governor said this was a U.S. Constitutional issue for which he didn’t have much of a choice. He said the issue is being reviewed by the courts, but until he receives different word from the courts, handguns will be permitted in Indiana’s state parks as a protected freedom under the constitution. CORRECTED JOB OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTNORTH MANCHESTER CHURCH NEEDS PARISH NURSEA Parish Visitor is needed to assist the Senior Pastor in visitation of a large and vibrant congregation. This is a part-time position (up to 80 hours per month) and includes a salary ($15,000 to $17,500 depending on qualifications) and travel reimbursement. The successful applicant should be able to work flexible hours and have solid people and organizational skills. The position will include working with individuals of all ages but in particular those who are 65 years and older. Also, the Parish Visitor, in cooperation with the Membership Care Ministry, will help create caring programs to extend the congregations compassion ministries. If you are a creative caring Christian individual who is open to new ideas, able to work cooperatively with others, have strong communication skills and able to travel, please e-mail a letter of interest and resume to Pastor David Overmyer (North Manchester United Methodist Church) at nmumc@kconline.com. # # # e-HUM Alert copyright 2007 by Indiana Area United Methodist Communications. |
