Senator Vaneta Becker yesterday became the only Republican on the senate health committee to vote against Senate Bill 3, a bill that would protect Indiana pharmacists from being forced to dispense drugs that would be used for abortion, euthanasia, assisted-suicide or mercy killing.
The senator joined four of the most strident Democratic abortion supporters in the senate in opposing the bill, including Sen. Sue Errrington, a long-time Planned Parenthood employee and lobbyist, and Sen. Vi Simpson from Bloomington. Senator Becker's vote against the bill came in spite of hearing testimony from Karen Brauer, an Indiana pharmacist fired by K-mart in 1996 after refusing to dispense abortion-causing drugs in violation of her personal conscience.
I urge you to contact Senator Becker immediately to express your disapproval of her vote and to urge her to support the bill when it comes to the senate floor.To contact Senator Becker, call 800-382-9467 or 317-232-9400. Her e-mail address is http://adsfree01.mail.com/scripts/mail/compose.mail?compose=1&.ob=c3629cb79b2771b964e2ae7395695749766d0fa0&composeto=s50@in.gov&composecc=&subject=&body=
To read more about Senate Bill 3, click here
To read today's Louisville Courier Journal story on the vote, click here
Friday, January 11, 2008
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Walker: Eliminate Property Taxes on Homes
Committee members ‘intrigued, interested’ in new proposal; Legislators want more details before panel vote will be taken.
(STATEHOUSE) –Republican state senators say they are “intrigued and interested” by a new plan unveiled at the Statehouse today that would completely and permanently eliminate property taxes on owner-occupied homes statewide.
Sen. Brent Waltz (R-Greenwood) and Mike Young (R-Indianapolis) offered their plan as an amendment to Senate Joint Resolution 8 under consideration by the Senate Rules and Legislative Procedure Committee.
Waltz and Young asked fellow lawmakers to choose between sales or income taxes as “fairer, more modern ways” to fund schools and local government.
Expanding sales taxes on certain services was among several funding options the two lawmakers offered to replace the $2.95 billion needed to eliminate property taxes for homeowners.
“I support the permanent removal of levies from dependence on property taxes,” Walker said. “I also realistically acknowledge that the legislation may not unwind all the complexity in one general assembly session. Yet, we must start the process of constitutional protections now.”
Originally, SJR 8 would have attempted doing away with all property taxes including those on income-producing rental and business properties. Critics had been skeptical of the resolution as originally written, because of massive replacement funding needed to continue operating schools, police and fire services, libraries and other local government units.
Sen. David Long (R-Ft. Wayne), who chairs the committee, said its members asked for additional time to study and discuss the resolution and amendment. Long said he expects the committee to reconvene in the coming days, but wants to “make certain the plan is workable and acceptable before asking colleagues to vote on the proposal.”
SJR 8 is being offered as an amendment to the Indiana Constitution, requiring passage by two separately elected sessions of the Indiana General Assembly and approval by voters
Sen. Greg Walker represents Senate District 41, which includes Bartholomew and Johnson Counties.
(STATEHOUSE) –Republican state senators say they are “intrigued and interested” by a new plan unveiled at the Statehouse today that would completely and permanently eliminate property taxes on owner-occupied homes statewide.
Sen. Brent Waltz (R-Greenwood) and Mike Young (R-Indianapolis) offered their plan as an amendment to Senate Joint Resolution 8 under consideration by the Senate Rules and Legislative Procedure Committee.
Waltz and Young asked fellow lawmakers to choose between sales or income taxes as “fairer, more modern ways” to fund schools and local government.
Expanding sales taxes on certain services was among several funding options the two lawmakers offered to replace the $2.95 billion needed to eliminate property taxes for homeowners.
“I support the permanent removal of levies from dependence on property taxes,” Walker said. “I also realistically acknowledge that the legislation may not unwind all the complexity in one general assembly session. Yet, we must start the process of constitutional protections now.”
Originally, SJR 8 would have attempted doing away with all property taxes including those on income-producing rental and business properties. Critics had been skeptical of the resolution as originally written, because of massive replacement funding needed to continue operating schools, police and fire services, libraries and other local government units.
Sen. David Long (R-Ft. Wayne), who chairs the committee, said its members asked for additional time to study and discuss the resolution and amendment. Long said he expects the committee to reconvene in the coming days, but wants to “make certain the plan is workable and acceptable before asking colleagues to vote on the proposal.”
SJR 8 is being offered as an amendment to the Indiana Constitution, requiring passage by two separately elected sessions of the Indiana General Assembly and approval by voters
Sen. Greg Walker represents Senate District 41, which includes Bartholomew and Johnson Counties.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Advance America Releases Property Tax Repeal Study
[Indianapolis, IN] Eric Miller, Founder of Advance America today released the results of a professional study of their Property Tax Repeal Plan conducted by a respected professor at Indiana University, Dr. Craig L. Johnson.
Miller was joined by the following Legislators who support the Constitutional Amendment to Repeal Property Taxes: Senator Phil Boots, Senator Dennis Kruse, Senator Brent Steele, Sen. Greg Walker, Senator John Waterman, Rep. Jim Buck, Rep. Woody Burton, Rep. Eric Koch, Rep. Cindy Noe, and Rep. Jackie Walorski. Also in attendance were individuals representing numerous taxpayer groups around the state and Attorney John Price who is the Chairman of the Indiana Property Tax Repeal Alliance, Inc.
Prior to discussing the study Miller stated, “It’s time for a change in Indiana government.” He pointed out that Repealing Property Taxes is the only way:
1. To let someone finally own their own home, farm or business;
2. To let Hoosiers vote to Repeal Property Taxes;
3. To stop future property tax increases;
4. To save over $100 million in administrative expenses;
5. To stop incorrect assessments and
6. To not repeat history by raising existing taxes or creating new taxes in exchange for temporarily lowering property taxes.
Miller stated that the opponents of our effort to Repeal Property Taxes have used scare tactics to try to stop this effort. “The opponents have said that in order to Repeal Property Taxes the state would either have to raise the sales tax to 13% or raise the income tax to 9%. These opponents are intentionally trying to mislead the public. They didn’t consider the impact of controlling state and local government spending in our proposal or the time it would take to Repeal Property Taxes with a Constitutional Amendment.”
Dr. Craig L. Johnson served as the Consultant to review Advance America’s Property Tax Repeal Plan. He has been at Indiana University since 1992. Dr. Johnson is an Associate Professor of Public and Environmental Affairs at SPEA-Bloomington. Dr. Johnson received his Master of Public Administration and Ph.D. degrees from The University at Albany, State University of New York. His primary research interest focuses on improving how government finances are managed.
Dr. Johnson’s Study shows conclusively that Advance America’s Plan is fiscally sound and doable. The Study points out that if property taxes are repealed with a Constitutional Amendment, property taxes can be replaced:
1. By controlling government spending at the state and local level;
2. By setting up a Property Tax Elimination Fund to receive state money over and above the state spending control. This fund will also serve as a rainy day fund;
3. By enacting a 2% sales tax increase and a 1% income tax increase and business replacement revenue of $951 million only after the voters vote in 2010 to Repeal Property Taxes; (This amount for business replacement revenue is not a tax increase. It represents a reduction of over 50% in the amount businesses would be paying in property taxes in 2012 according to Dr. Johnson.)
4. By using over $100 million in administrative savings from Repealing Property Taxes.
5. The figures supporting our plan do not include any growth in state sales or income taxes from economic development that occurs from the Repeal of Property Taxes.
6. Additionally, the figures do not include interest on the Property Tax Elimination Fund which is estimated to be in excess of $250 million in 2012.
The entire text of the Study including a resume on Dr. Johnson is available at www.AdvanceAmerica.com.
Miller restated, “It’s time for a change in Indiana government. It’s time for the Senate and the House to have a fair, full and open debate along with a vote on the floor of the House and Senate so that all 100 Representatives and all 50 Senators can have the chance to vote to Repeal Property Taxes.”
More information on Advance America’s plan to repeal property taxes, as well as upcoming events, can be found at www.AdvanceAmerica.com or by calling 1-800-448-8683.
Advance America is a non-partisan educational organization that does not endorse any candidate or political party. Advance America was founded by Eric Miler in 1980.
Miller is an attorney and the Founder of Advance America, a conservative pro-family and pro-tax reform organization started in 1980.
Miller was joined by the following Legislators who support the Constitutional Amendment to Repeal Property Taxes: Senator Phil Boots, Senator Dennis Kruse, Senator Brent Steele, Sen. Greg Walker, Senator John Waterman, Rep. Jim Buck, Rep. Woody Burton, Rep. Eric Koch, Rep. Cindy Noe, and Rep. Jackie Walorski. Also in attendance were individuals representing numerous taxpayer groups around the state and Attorney John Price who is the Chairman of the Indiana Property Tax Repeal Alliance, Inc.
Prior to discussing the study Miller stated, “It’s time for a change in Indiana government.” He pointed out that Repealing Property Taxes is the only way:
1. To let someone finally own their own home, farm or business;
2. To let Hoosiers vote to Repeal Property Taxes;
3. To stop future property tax increases;
4. To save over $100 million in administrative expenses;
5. To stop incorrect assessments and
6. To not repeat history by raising existing taxes or creating new taxes in exchange for temporarily lowering property taxes.
Miller stated that the opponents of our effort to Repeal Property Taxes have used scare tactics to try to stop this effort. “The opponents have said that in order to Repeal Property Taxes the state would either have to raise the sales tax to 13% or raise the income tax to 9%. These opponents are intentionally trying to mislead the public. They didn’t consider the impact of controlling state and local government spending in our proposal or the time it would take to Repeal Property Taxes with a Constitutional Amendment.”
Dr. Craig L. Johnson served as the Consultant to review Advance America’s Property Tax Repeal Plan. He has been at Indiana University since 1992. Dr. Johnson is an Associate Professor of Public and Environmental Affairs at SPEA-Bloomington. Dr. Johnson received his Master of Public Administration and Ph.D. degrees from The University at Albany, State University of New York. His primary research interest focuses on improving how government finances are managed.
Dr. Johnson’s Study shows conclusively that Advance America’s Plan is fiscally sound and doable. The Study points out that if property taxes are repealed with a Constitutional Amendment, property taxes can be replaced:
1. By controlling government spending at the state and local level;
2. By setting up a Property Tax Elimination Fund to receive state money over and above the state spending control. This fund will also serve as a rainy day fund;
3. By enacting a 2% sales tax increase and a 1% income tax increase and business replacement revenue of $951 million only after the voters vote in 2010 to Repeal Property Taxes; (This amount for business replacement revenue is not a tax increase. It represents a reduction of over 50% in the amount businesses would be paying in property taxes in 2012 according to Dr. Johnson.)
4. By using over $100 million in administrative savings from Repealing Property Taxes.
5. The figures supporting our plan do not include any growth in state sales or income taxes from economic development that occurs from the Repeal of Property Taxes.
6. Additionally, the figures do not include interest on the Property Tax Elimination Fund which is estimated to be in excess of $250 million in 2012.
The entire text of the Study including a resume on Dr. Johnson is available at www.AdvanceAmerica.com.
Miller restated, “It’s time for a change in Indiana government. It’s time for the Senate and the House to have a fair, full and open debate along with a vote on the floor of the House and Senate so that all 100 Representatives and all 50 Senators can have the chance to vote to Repeal Property Taxes.”
More information on Advance America’s plan to repeal property taxes, as well as upcoming events, can be found at www.AdvanceAmerica.com or by calling 1-800-448-8683.
Advance America is a non-partisan educational organization that does not endorse any candidate or political party. Advance America was founded by Eric Miler in 1980.
Miller is an attorney and the Founder of Advance America, a conservative pro-family and pro-tax reform organization started in 1980.
Bill to control local debt approved by Senate committee
Walker: Local debt is significant factor in rising property tax bills
(STATEHOUSE) –Legislation to control and manage local debt was approved today by the Senate State Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee. Senate Bill 18 is co-authored by Sen. Greg Walker (R-Columbus).
“Approximately 24 percent of the net property tax levee is used for debt service, and the average annual increase of school and local debt was about 9.5 percent per year from 2000 to 2006,” Walker said. “If we want to control property taxes, we must control government spending. This bill encourages local government to pay off debt rather than extend it.”
Other provisions of the bill include:
Prohibiting extension of bond pay-off dates;
Mandating that savings realized as a result of refinancing must be used to repay debt or reduce levies instead of starting other projects or making new improvements;
Requiring a steady level of retirement of principle throughout the financing period, ending a common practice of paying small amounts of principal early in loan period; and
Lowering the threshold that triggers County Project Review to the lesser of $7 million or .5 percent of taxable assessed valuation. Dillon said this would protect people living in smaller, less populated areas, giving them a voice in projects that may not be as large as projects in more densely populated areas but still requiring significant additional tax burdens to residents of a particular township.
According to Walker, SB 18 is a result of recommendations made by the Commission on State Tax and Financing Policy which met throughout the fall of 2007 to study ways to reform Indiana’s broken property tax system.
As part of his commitment to controlling government spending and debt, Walker introduced legislation today to require school corporations to study affordability of projects before issuing bonds or entering into rental agreements.
Senate Bill 276 would require the Department of Local Government Finance to collect, organize and publicize data regarding affordability measures that include:
· Outstanding long-term debt divided by median household income;
· The percentage change in the school corporation’s population over the last five years; and
· The percentage of mortgage foreclosures within the corporation during the preceding three years.
These bills are part of the Senate’s effort to provide property tax relief by tightening controls on issuing and retiring of debt, providing increased scrutiny of costly government projects and reforming Indiana’s overlapping layers of government, Walker said.
Sen. Greg Walker represents Senate District 41, which includes Bartholomew and Johnson Counties.
(STATEHOUSE) –Legislation to control and manage local debt was approved today by the Senate State Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee. Senate Bill 18 is co-authored by Sen. Greg Walker (R-Columbus).
“Approximately 24 percent of the net property tax levee is used for debt service, and the average annual increase of school and local debt was about 9.5 percent per year from 2000 to 2006,” Walker said. “If we want to control property taxes, we must control government spending. This bill encourages local government to pay off debt rather than extend it.”
Other provisions of the bill include:
Prohibiting extension of bond pay-off dates;
Mandating that savings realized as a result of refinancing must be used to repay debt or reduce levies instead of starting other projects or making new improvements;
Requiring a steady level of retirement of principle throughout the financing period, ending a common practice of paying small amounts of principal early in loan period; and
Lowering the threshold that triggers County Project Review to the lesser of $7 million or .5 percent of taxable assessed valuation. Dillon said this would protect people living in smaller, less populated areas, giving them a voice in projects that may not be as large as projects in more densely populated areas but still requiring significant additional tax burdens to residents of a particular township.
According to Walker, SB 18 is a result of recommendations made by the Commission on State Tax and Financing Policy which met throughout the fall of 2007 to study ways to reform Indiana’s broken property tax system.
As part of his commitment to controlling government spending and debt, Walker introduced legislation today to require school corporations to study affordability of projects before issuing bonds or entering into rental agreements.
Senate Bill 276 would require the Department of Local Government Finance to collect, organize and publicize data regarding affordability measures that include:
· Outstanding long-term debt divided by median household income;
· The percentage change in the school corporation’s population over the last five years; and
· The percentage of mortgage foreclosures within the corporation during the preceding three years.
These bills are part of the Senate’s effort to provide property tax relief by tightening controls on issuing and retiring of debt, providing increased scrutiny of costly government projects and reforming Indiana’s overlapping layers of government, Walker said.
Sen. Greg Walker represents Senate District 41, which includes Bartholomew and Johnson Counties.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Technology Company to Nearly Triple Its Columbus Workforce
INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 28, 2007) – Executives from software developer LHP Inc. joined Governor Mitch Daniels here today to announce the company’s plans to grow its Columbus operations, creating more than 320 new high-tech jobs by 2011.
The international developer of software and hardware solutions for the military, automotive and medical industries will invest more than $1 million to expand its southeast Indiana headquarters and development center, making room for new research and development equipment and new computer hardware.
"LHP is increasing its commitment to Indiana by making a bigger investment in its headquarters and creating more new high-tech jobs for Hoosiers. The Columbus area continues to be a major contributor to economic development in Indiana," said Daniels.
The company, which currently employs 130 professionals in Columbus, will begin hiring information technology specialists, engineers and administrative personnel in 2008.
"LHP is a homegrown company with a team of talented people in Columbus," said Ryan Hou, chief executive officer of LHP, Inc. "LHP provides a very unique combination of embedded control systems and IT application knowledge. With our highly educated work force, partnership business initiatives and effective cost models, we have successfully defended offshore job loss and created 130 jobs since 2001. Of course, we can not achieve this accomplishment alone and without numerous assistances in the past from the City of Columbus, Columbus Economic Development Board, the State of Indiana and Cummins."
Founded in Columbus in 2001, the minority-owned business operates two subsidiaries, LHP Technologies and LHP International. LHP Technologies focuses on quality control, delivery logistics, marketing and aftermarket services support between companies in China and in the United States. LHP International provides custom engineering and computer programming in Wuhan, Beijing and Shanghai China. With its main office located in the Wuchang, the company is two blocks away from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, one of the top engineering universities in the region.
"LHP’s continued commitment to Columbus builds on our strengths in manufacturing and technology innovation," said Mayor Fred Armstrong. "We thank LHP for choosing to invest again in Indiana and look forward to welcoming their new employees to our community."
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered LHP Inc. up to $2.1 million in performance-based tax credits and up to $50,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation. The City of Columbus will provide the company with property tax abatement.
About LHP
Founded in 2001 in Columbus, Ind., LHP Inc. is an international engineering company focused on innovative, customer-driven results. LHP specializes in delivering solutions that combine embedded systems and IT applications benefitting the military, automotive and medical industries. The minority owned company operates two subsidiaries, LHP International and LHP Technologies. For more information about LHP Inc., visit www.LHPSoftware.com.
About IEDC
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation is the state’s premier entity charged with economic development. The IEDC has a 12-member board chaired by Governor Mitch Daniels. Indiana Secretary of Commerce Nathan Feltman is also chief executive officer of the IEDC. For more information about IEDC, visit www.iedc.IN.gov.
The international developer of software and hardware solutions for the military, automotive and medical industries will invest more than $1 million to expand its southeast Indiana headquarters and development center, making room for new research and development equipment and new computer hardware.
"LHP is increasing its commitment to Indiana by making a bigger investment in its headquarters and creating more new high-tech jobs for Hoosiers. The Columbus area continues to be a major contributor to economic development in Indiana," said Daniels.
The company, which currently employs 130 professionals in Columbus, will begin hiring information technology specialists, engineers and administrative personnel in 2008.
"LHP is a homegrown company with a team of talented people in Columbus," said Ryan Hou, chief executive officer of LHP, Inc. "LHP provides a very unique combination of embedded control systems and IT application knowledge. With our highly educated work force, partnership business initiatives and effective cost models, we have successfully defended offshore job loss and created 130 jobs since 2001. Of course, we can not achieve this accomplishment alone and without numerous assistances in the past from the City of Columbus, Columbus Economic Development Board, the State of Indiana and Cummins."
Founded in Columbus in 2001, the minority-owned business operates two subsidiaries, LHP Technologies and LHP International. LHP Technologies focuses on quality control, delivery logistics, marketing and aftermarket services support between companies in China and in the United States. LHP International provides custom engineering and computer programming in Wuhan, Beijing and Shanghai China. With its main office located in the Wuchang, the company is two blocks away from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, one of the top engineering universities in the region.
"LHP’s continued commitment to Columbus builds on our strengths in manufacturing and technology innovation," said Mayor Fred Armstrong. "We thank LHP for choosing to invest again in Indiana and look forward to welcoming their new employees to our community."
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered LHP Inc. up to $2.1 million in performance-based tax credits and up to $50,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation. The City of Columbus will provide the company with property tax abatement.
About LHP
Founded in 2001 in Columbus, Ind., LHP Inc. is an international engineering company focused on innovative, customer-driven results. LHP specializes in delivering solutions that combine embedded systems and IT applications benefitting the military, automotive and medical industries. The minority owned company operates two subsidiaries, LHP International and LHP Technologies. For more information about LHP Inc., visit www.LHPSoftware.com.
About IEDC
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation is the state’s premier entity charged with economic development. The IEDC has a 12-member board chaired by Governor Mitch Daniels. Indiana Secretary of Commerce Nathan Feltman is also chief executive officer of the IEDC. For more information about IEDC, visit www.iedc.IN.gov.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Kroger to Launch Massive Perishable Food Donation Program in 2008
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – December 27th – Kroger is launching a PerishableDonations Partnership (PDP) as a company-wide project to increase thenumber of stores that donate safe, perishable food to America’s SecondHarvest food banks across the country.
As part of the PDP program, Krogerwill dedicate a senior staff person in the corporate headquarters, KathleenWright, as Director of the Company’s PDP. Under Wright’s leadership,Kroger’s PDP will expand to include not only the current 30 million poundsper year of non-perishable food donations, but an additional 50 millionpounds of nutritious, fresh food to food banks across the country. Interms of meals, this represents an increase from 22 to 59 million mealsannually.
The safe handling of perishable foods will make food bank andfood pantry operations more complex, so Kroger’s efforts will includeexpertise and resources to prepare local food banks for the safe andefficient handling of perishable foods.According to President of Kroger’s Indianapolis-based Central Division, BobMoeder, “As a board member of Gleaner’s Food Bank and head of a Krogeroperating division that is particularly pro-active in relieving hunger, Iam especially proud of our company’s role in bringing healthy, nutritiousfood to the hungry.
For far too long food banks have operated with thefood people choose to donate, rather than being able to provide enoughhealthy, nutritious meals that include meat, fruit, vegetables and otherperishable foods. Just because a family is temporarily unable to purchasetheir meals in retail food stores, that should not mean they have to accepta lower quality standard or inadequate nutritional value. Food banks andlocal food pantries support a large number of hungry children and ourdonating nutritious perishable food will be especially important for theirhealthy growth and development.
Kroger is very committed to making thisperishables food program just as successful as the many other programscomprising our 125 year history of feeding the hungry in our localcommunities.”Today, Kroger donates food valued at $45 million annually through itsexisting programs. These donations are primarily dry grocery products andcan goods. “This is an exciting opportunity to bring even more food andhope to hungry people,” said Lynn Marmer, Kroger’s Group Vice President ofCorporate Affairs and a member of the national board of directors ofAmerica’s Second Harvest.
“This initiative not only increases the amountof fresh food Kroger donates, it will help improve the diets of individualsand families who depend on hunger relief programs by giving food banksaccess to a variety of nutritious meats, fruits and vegetables.”Kroger has helped lead the fight against hunger in the United States formore than 25 years. Through the Company’s “Bringing Hope to the Table”campaign, a nation-wide effort that encourages customers to purchaseparticipating items in stores to support America’s Second Harvest and localfood banks, Kroger and its family of stores have raised $6 million in cashand $2 million in food in the past two years.
Kroger plans to expand theprogram in 2008.Kroger’s Central Division, based in Indianapolis, supported six food banksin Indiana and two in Illinois during 2006 with more than $150,000 in cashcontributions, $50,000 in donated transportation, $109,000 in event supportand more than $903,000 in donated food. In addition to $1.2 million givento food banks in Indianapolis, Anderson, South Bend, Fort Wayne andBloomington in Indiana, the company has added support of the Lafayette FoodFinders food bank in 2007.
Kroger actively engages its customers and thecommunities in which its employees live and work in its hunger reliefefforts by supporting food drives throughout the year. Kroger is a majorsponsor of the Boy Scouts of America’s “Scouting for Food” program andleads a “Share Your Feast” food drive during the Thanksgiving and Christmasholidays each year. Kroger’s financial contributions are reinforced bysubstantial non-cash support such as donated equipment; professionalexpertise and considerable volunteer hours.
The Kroger Central Division has 154 food stores, 129 pharmacies and 49 fuelcenters operating under five banners; Kroger, Scott’s, Owen’s, Hilander andPay Less, with locations primarily in Indiana and Illinois, in addition tofive stores in Missouri, one in Michigan and one in Ohio. Kroger CentralDivision is dedicated to supporting every local community it serves, contributing more than $6 million annually to local organizations,primarily focusing on hunger relief, K-12 education, health causes anddiversity.
At Kroger we value: honesty, respect, inclusion, diversity,safety and integrity.
As part of the PDP program, Krogerwill dedicate a senior staff person in the corporate headquarters, KathleenWright, as Director of the Company’s PDP. Under Wright’s leadership,Kroger’s PDP will expand to include not only the current 30 million poundsper year of non-perishable food donations, but an additional 50 millionpounds of nutritious, fresh food to food banks across the country. Interms of meals, this represents an increase from 22 to 59 million mealsannually.
The safe handling of perishable foods will make food bank andfood pantry operations more complex, so Kroger’s efforts will includeexpertise and resources to prepare local food banks for the safe andefficient handling of perishable foods.According to President of Kroger’s Indianapolis-based Central Division, BobMoeder, “As a board member of Gleaner’s Food Bank and head of a Krogeroperating division that is particularly pro-active in relieving hunger, Iam especially proud of our company’s role in bringing healthy, nutritiousfood to the hungry.
For far too long food banks have operated with thefood people choose to donate, rather than being able to provide enoughhealthy, nutritious meals that include meat, fruit, vegetables and otherperishable foods. Just because a family is temporarily unable to purchasetheir meals in retail food stores, that should not mean they have to accepta lower quality standard or inadequate nutritional value. Food banks andlocal food pantries support a large number of hungry children and ourdonating nutritious perishable food will be especially important for theirhealthy growth and development.
Kroger is very committed to making thisperishables food program just as successful as the many other programscomprising our 125 year history of feeding the hungry in our localcommunities.”Today, Kroger donates food valued at $45 million annually through itsexisting programs. These donations are primarily dry grocery products andcan goods. “This is an exciting opportunity to bring even more food andhope to hungry people,” said Lynn Marmer, Kroger’s Group Vice President ofCorporate Affairs and a member of the national board of directors ofAmerica’s Second Harvest.
“This initiative not only increases the amountof fresh food Kroger donates, it will help improve the diets of individualsand families who depend on hunger relief programs by giving food banksaccess to a variety of nutritious meats, fruits and vegetables.”Kroger has helped lead the fight against hunger in the United States formore than 25 years. Through the Company’s “Bringing Hope to the Table”campaign, a nation-wide effort that encourages customers to purchaseparticipating items in stores to support America’s Second Harvest and localfood banks, Kroger and its family of stores have raised $6 million in cashand $2 million in food in the past two years.
Kroger plans to expand theprogram in 2008.Kroger’s Central Division, based in Indianapolis, supported six food banksin Indiana and two in Illinois during 2006 with more than $150,000 in cashcontributions, $50,000 in donated transportation, $109,000 in event supportand more than $903,000 in donated food. In addition to $1.2 million givento food banks in Indianapolis, Anderson, South Bend, Fort Wayne andBloomington in Indiana, the company has added support of the Lafayette FoodFinders food bank in 2007.
Kroger actively engages its customers and thecommunities in which its employees live and work in its hunger reliefefforts by supporting food drives throughout the year. Kroger is a majorsponsor of the Boy Scouts of America’s “Scouting for Food” program andleads a “Share Your Feast” food drive during the Thanksgiving and Christmasholidays each year. Kroger’s financial contributions are reinforced bysubstantial non-cash support such as donated equipment; professionalexpertise and considerable volunteer hours.
The Kroger Central Division has 154 food stores, 129 pharmacies and 49 fuelcenters operating under five banners; Kroger, Scott’s, Owen’s, Hilander andPay Less, with locations primarily in Indiana and Illinois, in addition tofive stores in Missouri, one in Michigan and one in Ohio. Kroger CentralDivision is dedicated to supporting every local community it serves, contributing more than $6 million annually to local organizations,primarily focusing on hunger relief, K-12 education, health causes anddiversity.
At Kroger we value: honesty, respect, inclusion, diversity,safety and integrity.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)