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This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, April 19th, 2022.
Later in the program, we have Strike Mic – Voices from the Indiana Graduate Workers Coalition – in light of their strike against Indiana University. More in today’s feature report.
Also coming up in the next half hour, the Bloomington City Council continues its conversation of increasing the local income tax. That’s coming up next in your daily headlines.
Bloomington City Council of the Whole Discusses Local Income Tax Increase
The Bloomington City Council continued discussing the Local Income Tax at their Committee of the Whole meeting on April 13th.
Mayor John Hamilton presented on the proposed Local Income Tax increase. He explained that the increase in revenue from the Local Income Tax would fund four categories: public safety, climate change preparedness and mitigation, equity and quality of life for all, and essential city services.
City Controller Jeff Underwood warned that the budget is scrupulous as it is, and without adding additional revenue they might be forced to make budget cuts they don’t want to make.
Council member Isabel Piedmont Smith asked how the Economic Equity Fund would be distributed.
Mayor Hamilton responded.
Piedmont-Smith said that she is still concerned that constituents won’t know how to access the funds even if they are set aside.
Council member Jim Sims was in favor of increasing the Local Income Tax, and said that he thinks the council will be able to reach a consensus on the amount.
The council will have a public hearing on the Local Income Tax on April 20th.
Bloomington Utilities Service Board Approves Contract
At the Bloomington Utilities Service Board meeting on April 11th Jane Fleig and Assistant Director of Engineering Brad Schroeder presented on behalf of Utilities Engineer Jane Fleig who was unable to present due to technical difficulties.
Board member Amanda Burnham asked if the inspection would require any street closures. Schroeder said that the inspection would take place underground so no street closures would be necessary.
Board member Megan Parmenter asked about how long the culvert should have lasted in an ideal scenario, and if there was any warranty on it. Schroeder responded.
The board unanimously voted to approve the agreement with Donohue and Associates. The next meeting will be held on April 25th.
Feature Report:
Earlier today, Indiana Grad Workers voted on whether to continue their strike into a second week. 967 voted yes to continuing and 27 voted no, a 97.3 percent majority affirming the struggle.
The strike is now authorized to last through April 27th – when another vote will take place – unless the administration agrees to negotiations. Hundreds of people turned out to picket lines yesterday and today as well.
Today on Strike Mic, we are airing audio from yesterday morning’s picket line rally at Sample Gates. Undergraduates spoke out in solidarity with their grad instructors, while grad workers contributed their perspectives on the role of graduate labor in the university. This audio for this segment was produced by Jeremy Hogan of the Bloomingtonian.
Credits:
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Noelle Herhusky-Schneider, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our feature was produced by Jeremy Hogan, Hugh Farrell and Kade Young.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.
