INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Terre Haute firefighter John Schoffstall was considered a hero by many in the community. Now, lawmakers want to make sure he is never forgotten.
Schoffstall died from COVID-19 related complications in April 2020. A resolution authored by Sen. Jon Ford memorializes Schoffstall and remembering his “love and devotion” to his family and his community as a first responder.
Schoffstall’s family was recently featured on an episode of “60 Minutes” that paid tribute to lives lost to the pandemic.
The resolution passed through the Senate and is now moving on to the House for consideration. Rep. Tonya Pfaff was added as a House sponsor of the resolution.
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Another piece of legislation with Sen. Jon Ford’s name attached relates to the licensing of art therapists and calls for qualifying art therapy services to be reimbursable under Medicaid. Currently, art therapy is not listed under Indiana code for services able to be covered by Medicaid.
The bill aims to provide licensure to professional art therapists and art therapist associates by the behavioral health and human services licensing board. A licensed art therapist or art therapist associate must fulfill certain qualifications and requirements.
The art therapy would be provided to an individual as part of a mental health services program or community mental health center.
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Small businesses and support for their economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic is the focus of a bill authored by Rep. Shane Lindauer.
The bill proposes the establishment of a Hoosier hospitality business restart grant program. The program would provide grants to eligible businesses and groups to speed up their economic recovery from pandemic-related deficits and setbacks.
The bill also aims to establish a small business restart grant fund, which would be administered by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. The IEDC would award grants from the fund to qualified parties that meet certain criteria.
The bill passed through the House Tuesday and will now be reviewed by the Senate.
