Dant Chesser's Digest

June Update

Jun 06, 2025

You’re Invited to My June Town Hall

Now that the 2025 legislative session is over, I want to provide an update on the new laws going into effect on July 1st. We’ll talk about the Senate bills that have moved through the House and the bills the House has successfully passed, including my Medigap legislation.

The town hall will take place on Saturday, June 28, at 10 a.m. at the Clarksville Library (1312 Eastern Blvd, Clarksville, IN 47129). As an elected official, I serve you, the people. Everyone in District 71 is invited to the town hall regardless of political party or affiliation.

I hope you will attend, share your concerns and learn about bills that the General Assembly passed. Feel free to spread the word and share the graphic below. If you have any questions about the event, please reach out to h71@iga.in.gov

Indiana Requests FEMA Relief: Apply For State Assistance

On May 28, Indiana requested a presidential disaster declaration through FEMA for federal assistance after April’s severe storms, flooding and tornadoes. If the request is approved, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) will work with county emergency management agencies to apply for assistance. It can take several weeks for the federal government to approve a state’s request. I hope our community will be approved for FEMA assistance.

The IDHS has opened applications to the State Disaster Relief Fund for Hoosiers whose homes or properties were damaged by severe storms or flooding. If you live in Clark or Floyd Counties and incurred damages on the dates below, you may qualify for assistance:

March 30 – April 2, 2025: Severe Storms/Flooding

Applications to help with immediate needs will be capped at $2,000 initially, although eligible homeowners may receive additional assistance after a comprehensive damage assessment is completed. The SDRF applies only to individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. State funding cannot replace insurance coverage. The maximum payout from the SDRF for an individual is $25,000. The fund only addresses the costs of repairing, replacing or restoring property that is the primary residence of the applicant.

Apply for assistance online, or dial 211 or 866-211-9966 to reach Indiana 211. A 211 representative can walk you through the application process and help you understand the next steps. You can click the button below to access an application.

Apply for the State Disaster Relief Fund

Free Fishing Days

During the summer, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) hosts free fishing days where Hoosiers can fish without a license. However, other rules such as seasons, bag and size limits apply. This year’s free fishing days are June 7-8 and Sept. 27.

If you enjoy fishing, you can purchase a fishing license at this link. The money generated from licenses supports research, habitat management, public access, fish stocking and education programs.

Photo courtesy of the Shafer & Freeman Lakes Environmental Conservation Corporation

Indiana Opted Out of SUN Bucks Program: Here’s Where Our Kids Can Get Meals This Summer

Last summer, Indiana participated in a federal program called SUN Bucks to support kids on free or reduced lunch during the summer. Each child received $120 per month to help cover the cost of food. This money was also used to support free summertime meals and meals-to-go programs. The SUN Bucks program served 669,000 of our children.

However, our children won’t get support this summer. Indiana opted out of the SUN Bucks program, despite it costing the state no money to participate. I’m saddened that Indiana is not participating this year. Grocery prices are skyrocketing, and I believe now more than ever, we need to support our families. The SUN Bucks program was flexible for our families since they weren’t limited to grab-and-go meals. Meal locations can be challenging for some due to their location, severe allergies, or dietary restrictions.

Thankfully, families can still get meals through other programs. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will have food service locations in Clarksville and Jeffersonville. You can check the nutrition map from the Indiana Department of Education to find the meal site closest to you. Greater Clark County Schools (GCCS) will offer free breakfast and lunch at five locations. The times and locations are included in the graphic below. I also included information below about the meal sites for New Albany Floyd County Consolidated Schools.

If you’re in need of meals this summer and are struggling to find a location, please call my office at h71@iga.in.gov.

Remembering D-Day

Today, June 6, is the 81st Anniversary of D-Day. On June 6, 1944, the Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy in an amphibious assault. The naval, air and land assault surprised the Nazis who thought the main invasion target was farther north close to the border of Belgium and France. More than 5,000 ships and landing crafts carried troops to Normandy, while 11,000 aircraft were mobilized.

By the end of D-Day, close to 156,000 soldiers successfully stormed the beaches, with the area fully secured by the Allies a week later. Tragically, 4,000 soldiers lost their lives, with 2,000 of those troops being Americans who fought at Omaha Beach. However, their sacrifice was not in vain since D-Day helped secure the Allies’ victory.

As we celebrate the 81st anniversary of D-Day today, I hope we remember the bravery, determination and unity of our servicemen.