>>> "INDIANA NEWSDESK" IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY: >>> COMING UP ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

>> CARELESSLY BROADCASTING VIEWS THAT THEY THINK ARE PEACEFUL WHEN REALLY THEY DON'T CARE TO UNDERSTAND THAT IT FEELS VERY THREATENING TO US.

>> TRUMP IS CRACKING DOWN ON ANTI-SEMITISM ON COLLECT CAMPUSES.

I SPOKE WITH THE JEWISH COMMUNITY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CLIMATE AT I.U.

>> GOVERNOR BRAUN'S EXECUTIVE ORDER IS MEANT TO CURTAIL MEDICARE COSTS FOR BEHAVIORAL THERAPY.

BUT IT COULD LEAVE PARENTS PAYING OUT OF POCKET.

>> SHE WILL RECEIVE A.B.A.

AS LONG AS I'M ALIVE.

FULLY, 40 HOURS A WEEK.

>>> THAT THERAPY CAN COST UP TO $100,000 A YEAR.

AND TERRE HAUTE'S CASINO HAS BEEN OPEN ONE YEAR AND CITY LEADERS ARE MAKING MOST OF THE TAX REVENUE FROM IT.

THESE STORIES AND MORE RIGHT NOW ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

>>> WELCOME TO "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

I'M JOE HREN.

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP'S ADMINISTRATION WARNED INDIANA UNIVERSITY AND 59 OTHER SCHOOLS THIS MONTH THAT THEY COULD FACE CONSEQUENCES IF THEY DON'T PROTECT JEWISH STUDENTS.

REPORTER AUBREY WRIGHT HAS MORE ON CONCERNS FOR FUNDING AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR FREE SPEECH.

>> AFTER THE WARNING, SOME PROFESSORS WORRY I.U.

LEADERS COULD SUPPRESS FREE SPEECH BUT AS PROTESTS CONTINUE, SOME JEWISH STUDENTS SAY THEY'RE AFRAID ON CAMPUS.

>> JUST THANK YOU ALL FOR JOINING US ALL TODAY.

I TRUST YOU ALL HAD AN EXCELLENT SPRING BREAK.

>> IN A TYPICAL FACULTY COUNCIL MEETING, PROVOST SHRIVASTAV IS DELIVERING STANDARD REMARKS ABOUT I.U.

BLOOMINGTON.

BUT ABOUT TEN PROTESTERS CARRYING BANNERS AND WEARING KAFIAS THEY ARE ESCORTED OUT BY AN I.U.

POLICE OFFICER.

>> I WANT TO BEGIN BY CONGRATULATING AND WELCOMING OUR NEW CHANCELLOR TO I.U.

BLOOMINGTON, DAVID REINGOLD.

>> THE PROTEST IS ALMOST AS ROUTINE AS MEETING, LIKE OTHER UNIVERSITIES AROUND THE COUNTRY, I.U.

'S COMMUNITY HAS SEEN PROTESTS AND ARRESTS SINCE OCTOBER 7th, 2023.

GROUPS SUCH AS THE I.U.

DIVESTMENT COALITION CONTINUE TO ORGANIZE FOR PALESTINE, CALLING ON I.U.

LEADERS TO RESIGN AND CUT TIES WITH ISRAEL.

>> FREE PALESTINE!

>> EARLIER THIS MONTH, TWO COALITION MEMBERS HAD HEARINGS FOR DISORDERLY CONDUCT.

>> WHILE WE HAD HOPED THAT THE CHARGES WOULD BE DROPPED, WE UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING OF A FIGHT.

>> MANY COME FROM THE DIVESTMENT AND SANCTIONS MOVEMENT AGAINST ISRAEL.

LAST YEAR, STATE POLICE ARRESTED DOZENS OF I.U.

COMMUNITY MEMBERS DURING A MONTH'S LONG PROTEST IN DUNN MEADOW.

MEANWHILE, SOME JEWISH STUDENTS REPORT THEY'RE AFRAID ON CAMPUS.

>> SOME OF THESE PROTESTS, LIKE I'M SCARED AND SO MANY NEEDS TO BE LIKE, HEY, CUT IT OUT.

>> TO I.U.

SENIOR RACHEL APPLEFIELD, THE CAMPUS JEWISH COMMUNITY IS PASSIVE.

SHE SAYS SHE STILL SEES ANTISEMITISM, EVEN WHEN HER NON-JEWISH FRIENDS DON'T.

>> IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR IT, YOU WILL SEE IT.

>> TRUMP IS THREATENING TO WITHHOLD FUNDING IN THE NAME OF FIGHTING ANTISEMITISM.

THE SCHOOLS USING FEDERAL FUNDS ARE OBLIGATED TO PROTECT ALL STUDENTS.

NOTABLY THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION HAS CUT $400 MILLION FROM COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY AFTER LARGE PROTESTS FOR PALESTINE AND SOME FOREIGN STUDENTS IN THE COUNTRY LEGALLY HAVE BEEN ARRESTED.

APPLEGATE SAYS DESPITE I.U.

'S PROBLEMS, IT'S BETTER THAN OTHER SCHOOLS.

>> COMPARING IT TO COLUMBIA, WE ARE NOT REALLY CLOSE TO IT.

I DON'T NECESSARILY SEE IT HAPPENING UNLESS THINGS ESCALATE.

>> RABBI LIBBY KUEHNEN SAYS HE WORKS WITH THOUSANDS OF JEWISH STUDENTS.

IT'S A VIBRANT STRONG COMMUNITY THAT'S DEEPLY CONNECTED TO ISRAEL.

>> IN MY PERSONAL VIEW, I THINK THAT INDIANA UNIVERSITY DID A GREAT JOB HANDLING AND PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF THOSE THAT WERE BEING HARASSED, HARMED AND DISCRIMINATED AGAINST.

>> HE SAYS ANY SERIOUS INCIDENT DIRECTED AT JEWISH STUDENTS OR OTHER MAJORITIES SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO.

>> FREE SPEECH IS DESIGNED IN ORDER THAT THIS SHOULD BE A FREE THROW OF IDEAS NOT -- AND FREE SPEECH IS NOT THERE TO HARASS, HARM, OR INTIMIDATE PEOPLE BASED ON THE RACE, NATIONALITY OR RELIGION.

>> AS COLUMBIA LEADERSHIP TRIES TO APPEASE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND RECLAIM THE FUNDING, SOME WORRY ABOUT THE PRECEDENT IN SETS.

SOME I.U.

JEWISH PROFESSORS SUCH AS JEFFREY C. ISAAC ARE CONCERNED THAT THE GOVERNMENT'S ACTIONS WILL CHILL FREE SPEECH.

>> IT'S VERY DISTURBING TO US THAT IT'S BEING JUSTIFIED AS A WAY OF DEFENDING JEWISH PEOPLE, DEFENDING US.

>> LAST SPRING, I.U.

LEADERS RECEIVED WIDE SPREAD CRITICISM FOR SUSPENDING THE ADVISOR OF THE PALESTINE SOLIDARITY COMMUNITY, CANCELING AN EXHIBITION.

ISAAC HOPES IT WILL BE DIFFERENT THIS YEAR.

>> THE MISTAKES OF THE PAST DON'T NEED TO BE REPEATED.

>> MORE THAN 30 PROFESSORS SENT AN OPEN LETTER TO SHRIVASTAV, PRESIDENT PAMELA WHITTEN AND QUINN BUCKNER.

THEY DON'T WANT THEIR NAMED INVOKES TO SUPPRESS FREE SPEECH AT I.U.

TO ISAAC, TAKING OFFENSE DOESN'T MEAN BEING HARMED.

>> I DON'T MEAN TO QUESTION EVERY PERSON WHO SAYS THEY ARE AFRAID, WE NEED TO LISTEN TO THEM, BUT THAT'S DIFFERENT THAN SAYING WE NEED TO -- WE NEED TO SHUT DOWN ANYTHING THAT DISTURBS THEM.

AND THAT'S WHAT'S GOING ON IN THIS COUNTRY NOW.

>> THE UNIVERSITY DIDN'T RESPOND TO REQUESTS FOR COMMENT.

FOR "INDIANA NEWSDESK," I'M AUBREY WRIGHT.

>>> MORE THAN 10,000 PEOPLE ARE STILL ON WAIT LISTS FOR HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES THROUGH MEDICAID WAIVERS, BUT THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE INVITED OFF THE WAIT LIST SO FAR WOULD FILL ALL THE AVAILABLE SLOTS ON THE WAIVERS.

INDIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTING'S ABIGAIL RUMEN, THE STATE WOULD INVITE NEW PEOPLE OFF THE WAIT LIST UNTIL PREVIOUS INVITATIONS HAVE BEEN DECLINED OR RESCINDED.

>> ONCE SOMEONE IS INVITED OFF THE WAIT LIST, THEY HAVE 30 DAYS TO ACCEPT THE INVITATION.

THEN THEY HAVE 180 DAYS TO COMPLETE A SERVICE PLAN AND SEVERAL ASSESSMENTS TO START RECEIVING SERVICES.

IF THEY DON'T, THE FAMILY AND SOCIAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION RESCINDS THE INVITATION AND OFFERS IT TO ANOTHER PERSON ON THE WAIT LIST.

>> THE ADVISE THAT WE'RE PROVIDING INDIVIDUALS WHO REGULARLY, PROBABLY MONTHLY CONTACT THE ENTITIES THAT THEY HAVE GONE TO, TO GET ON THE WAIT LIST AND SEE AND JUST CHECK ON THEIR STATUS ON THE WAIT LIST.

>> ONCE THE STATE RUNS OUT OF SLOTS ON THE WAIVERS, PEOPLE HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL AT LEAST JULY FOR SERVICES WHEN SOME SLOTS REOPEN.

>> IT NOT ONLY INCREASES INSTITUTIONAL PLACEMENTS WHICH CARRY SIGNIFICANT HIGHER COSTS, THE DELAY -- THESE DELAYS RESULT IN DECREASED QUALITY OF LIFE, SORT OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND GREATER HARDSHIPS FOR FAMILIES.

>> FOR INDIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTING, I'M ABIGAIL RUMEN.

>> NOW WE'RE JOINED BY CLAYTON BAUMGARTH WITH MORE HEADLINES FROM AROUND THE STATE HI, CLAYTON.

>> THANK YOU.

>> GOVERNOR MIKE BRAUN'S FIRST MEASURE SIGNED INTO LAW WILL CREATE AN ONLINE PORTAL FOR HOOSIER FARMERS TO CONNECT WITH THE GOVERNMENT.

BRAUN SAYS THE PORTAL IS AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT THAT NAVIGATING STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES IS MORE COMPLICATED THAN IT'S EVER BEEN.

>> ON THIS ONLINE PORTAL, FARMERS CAN SEE REGULATORY CHECK LISTS, ACCESS TECHNICAL SUPPORT, SEE AVAILABLE GRANTS AND MAKE THEIR VOICES HEARD ON FEDERAL REGULATION THAT AFFECTS THEM.

>> THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE IS EXPECTED TO CREATE AND RUN THE PORTAL WITHIN ITS EXISTING BUDGET.

THE BILL PASSES BOTH CHAMBERS WITH OVERWHELMING SUPPORT.

THE INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAYS IT WAS NOTIFIED THIS WEEK THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CANCELED COVID-19 GRANTS GIVEN TO THE STATE.

STATE AND LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS COULD LOSE ABOUT $40 MILLION.

THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION REPORTEDLY EXPECTS TO RECOVER MONEY WITHIN 30 DAYS OF WHEN DEPARTMENTS ARE NOTIFIED.

>> WE ARE WORKING WITH OUR TEAM TO EVALUATE WHAT IS GOING ON, COMMUNICATING WITH OUR STAFF AND OUR GOALS TO ENSURE THAT NO DIRECT SERVICES TO HOOSIERS ARE DISRUPTED.

>> OVERALL, THE CDC IS RESCINDING MORE THAN $11 BILLION FROM STATE AND LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS, AS WELL AS SOME NONGOVERNMENT AND INTERNATIONAL RECIPIENTS.

>> THE NEXT LEVEL TRAILS PROGRAM HAS BEEN CUT OUT OF THE NEW STATE BUDGET.

NEXT LEVEL TRAILS HAS INVESTED $180 MILLION IN DEVELOPING TRAILS STATEWIDE SINCE 2018.

THE CUT IS PART OF GOVERNOR MIKE BRAUN'S MANDATE FOR ALL STATE AGENCIES TO CUT THEIR BUDGETS BY 5%.

>> EXTREMELY IMPORTANT ON THESE, AND WE WANT TO HAVE NICE TRAILS BUT WE CAN'T DO AT THE EXPENSE OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS.

>> A D.N.R.

SPOKESPERSON SAYS ALL 89 GRANTED PROJECTS WERE COMPLETED WITH EXISTING FUNDS FROM PREVIOUS STATE BUDGETS.

THAT INCLUDES THE MONAN SOUTH TRAIL PROJECT.

THE FIRST SECTION OPENED IN ORLEANS IN DECEMBER.

>>> MONROE COUNTY COMMUNITY SCHOOLS IS LOOKING FOR A NEW BOARD MEMBER AFTER BRANDON SURE RESIGNED.

THEY ANNOUNCED THE VACANCY AT LAST NIGHT'S SCHOOL BOARD MEETING.

SHURE REPRESENTED DISTRICT 7, WHICH INCLUDES BLOOMINGTON AND PERRY TOWNSHIPS.

INTERESTED COMMUNITY MEMBERS WILL HAVE UNTIL TOMORROW EVENING TO APPLY.

WINSTON SAID MORE THAN 60 PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY EXPRESSED INTEREST.

STATE LAW REQUIRES THE SCHOOL BOARD FILL THE POSITION BY APRIL 18th.

>>> BLOOMINGTON HAS BEEN FIGHTING AN ANNEXATION BATTLE IN THE COURTS THE PAST FEW YEARS AFTER TRYING TO INCORPORATE COUNTY LAND INTO THE CITY.

IT COMES AFTER LEGISLATION PASSED IN 2019, MADE IT MORE DIFFICULT FOR THE CITY TO ANNEX THOSE AREAS.

AS JOE HREN REPORTS, LAWMAKERS WERE WORKING ON ANNEXATION COMPROMISE BUT THE BILL IS LIKELY DEAD AFTER A LATE AMENDMENT.

>> KOKOMO REPUBLICAN SENATOR JIM BUCK AUTHORED LEGISLATION TO REIN IN LEGISLATION THAT FAVORS MUNICIPALITIES.

UNDER THE CURRENT PROCESS, 65% OF THE PROPOSED ANNEXED AREAS LANDOWNERS MUST SIGN OFF ON A REMONSTRANCE TO OPPOSE IT.

BUCK'S VERSION WOULD FLIP THE BURDEN BY REQUIRING CITIES TO HAVE THE SUPPORT OF 51% OF THE AREA'S PROPERTY OWNERS BEFORE INITIATING ANNEXATION.

REPUBLICAN REPRESENTATIVE DAVE HALL SERVES PARTS OF MONROE, BROWN AND JACKSON COUNTIES.

HE INTRODUCED THE ABILITY TORE CITIES TO ADD NONCONTIGUOUS LAND.

MONROE COUNTY COMMISSIONER, JULIE THOMAS SAYS THE AMENDMENT MUDDIES THE WATERS SAYING MONROE COUNTY RESIDENTS HAVE SUFFERED UNDER THE PROPOSED BLOOMINGTON ANNEXATION BECAUSE THE 65% BAR MEANT RESIDENTS HAD TO SHOULDER LEGAL COSTS.

BLOOMINGTON MAYOR KERRY THOMSON SAYS THE LEGISLATION SEEKS TO ELIMINATE INVOLUNTARY ANNEXATION BY CREATING A PATH FOR VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION.

>> ONCE YOU CREATE A WALL AROUND THE CITY OF PLACES THAT HAVE REFUSED TO BE ANNEXED, THEN YOU LOCK THE CITY BOUNDARIES.

THAT SHOULD BE CONCERNING FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR OUR ENTIRE STATE.

>> THE CITY IS ASKING THE INDIANA SUPREME COURT TO REVIEW THE APPEALS COURT DENIAL OF ITS ANNEXATION CASE.

FOR "INDIANA NEWSDESK," I'M JOE HREN.

>>> TREES HAVE BEEN CUT DOWN AND PARKING BARRIERS HAVE GONE UP AT THE CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION SITE THIS WEEK.

HOWEVER, THE STATUS OF THE PLANNED HOTEL IS UNCLEAR.

C.I.B.

PRESIDENT ON WEIKHART HAS BEEN FIVE MONTHS AND THERE'S A SENSE OF URGENCY TO BEGIN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HOST HOTEL.

THE PLANS ARE LOOKING WITH THE CONVENTION CENTER WITH VISIT BLOOMINGTON.

>> WHAT BETTER WAY TO MARKET TO CONVENTIONEERS WHAT IS HAPPENING IN BLOOMINGTON THAN TO HAVE VISIT BLOOMINGTON BE COLLOCATED IN THE FACILITY WHERE OUR CONVENTION GOERS ARE?

>> AND JOE, WORK ON CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS WILL CONTINUE THROUGH JUNE.

BIDDING IS UNDERWAY UNTIL AUGUST.

>> I COVERED THAT STORY.

THERE'S NO REASON WHY THE TREES HAD TO COME DOWN.

STATE CODE SAYS YOU CAN'T CLEAR TREES DURING ACTIVE BAT SEASON.

>> THERE YOU GO.

>> FUN FACT.

>> THANKS, CLAY TOPP.

>> COMING -- CLAYTON.

>> COMING UP NEXT, THOSE IN NEED OF A.B.A.

THERAPY ARE NAVIGATING HOW TO COVER COSTS AFTER AN EXECUTIVE ORDER BY GOVERNOR BRAUN CAPS MEDICAID COVERAGE.

>>> AND TERRE HAUTE'S CASINOS ARE BRINGING A LOT OF REVENUE TO THE CITY BUT THE OFFICIALS ARE STILL TRYING TO LURE TOURISTS TO THE DOWNTOWN AREA.

>>> THESE STORIES AND MORE RIGHT HERE ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

>>> WELCOME BACK TO "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

INDIANA' PLAN TO LIMIT MEDICAID-FUNDED BEHAVIORAL THERAPY IS WORRYING FAMILY WHO FEAR THEIR KIDS' PROGRESS WILL SUFFER.

ISABELLA VESPIRINI JOINS US TO TELL US MORE ABOUT WHY THE STATE TRYING TO COMBAT SOARING COSTS AND THE IMPACT ON FAMILIES AND PROVIDERS.

>> THANKS, JOE.

IN FEBRUARY, GOVERNOR MIKE BRAUN SIGNED AN EXECUTIVE ORDER CONTAINING RISING MEDICAID COSTS FOR APPLIED BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS THERAPY.

THE ORDER FOLLOWED AN AUDIT SHOWING THAT INDIANA MADE AT LEAST $56 MILLION IN IMPROPER MEDICAID PAYMENTS FOR BEHAVIORAL THERAPY.

NOW THAT INDIANA FAMILY AND SOCIAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION HAS LIMITED THE NUMBER OF CURRENT HOURS FOR THIS KIND OF THERAPY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM, AND INSTITUTED A THREE-YEAR GAP.

INDIVIDUALS MAY STILL QUALIFY FOR ADDITIONAL HOURS BASED ON SPECIFIC NEED BUT THE LIMITS CONCERN FAMILIES.

>> BROCK WILSON'S DAUGHTER OLIVIA IS NONVERBAL AND HAS A CHROMOSOMAL DISORDER THAT MAKES IT HARDER FOR HER TO RETAIN INFORMATION.

SHE'S BEEN DOING 40 HOURS A WEEK OF THERAPY FROM HOME.

AT HOME THERAPY HAS BEEN MOST EFFECTIVE AND HAS HELPED OLIVIA PERFORM TASKS AROUND THE HOUSE AND GO OUT IN PUBLIC TO RESTAURANTS AND HER SIBLINGS' SPORTING EVENTS.

>> FOR A WHILE, YOU COULDN'T DO, THAT YOU COULDN'T GO TO A RESTAURANT WITH HER OR AN EVENT OR SOMETHING LIKE, THAT BECAUSE -- IT WAS JUST TOO DIFFICULT.

SO, YOU KNOW, IT WAS KIND OF SAD BECAUSE AS A FAMILY, WE WOULD HAVE TO DO DIFFERENT -- WE WOULD HAVE TO DO DIFFERENT -- DIFFERENT THINGS AND EITHER SOME OF US WOULD GO, SOME WOULD STAY HOME.

>> WILSON SAID A.B.A.

THERAPY HAS HELPED IMPROVE COMMUNICATION WITH HER.

>> YOU KNOW, IT'S FRUSTRATING IF SHE CAN'T TELL US WHAT SHE WANTS OR -- IT'S STILL DIFFICULT, BUT IT'S A MILLION PERCENT BETTER WITH -- WITH HAVING ONE-ON-ONE THERAPY AND HER LEARNING TO TELL US WHAT SHE WANTS, WHAT SHE NEEDS.

>> EVERY SIX MONTHS A COURT REEVALUATE OLIVIA'S CONDITION AT THE END OF LAST YEAR, THEY SEND OUT A REPORT OUTLINING OLIVIA'S COURT.

THEY DECIDED TO TAKE AWAY FIVE HOURS OF THE 40 HOURS OF A.B.A.

WILSON NOW PAYS FOR THOSE FIVE HOURS A WEEK.

>> FIVE HOURS A WEEK FOR HER COULD BE THE DIFFERENCE OF HER MAYBE MASTERING SOMETHING, AND, YOU KNOW, SHE ASKS FOR A BLANKET NOW.

BEFORE SHE WOULD BE COLD AND SHE WOULD JUST SIT THIS.

>> THE POTENTIAL FOR INDIVIDUALS LIKE OLIVIA TO MAKE PROGRESS IS AT STAKE IF THE STATES PLAN TO LIMIT SERVICES IS APPROVED.

WILSON SAID HE WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT TO KEEP THOSE SERVICES.

IT COULD COST UP TO $100,000 A YEAR.

THAT WOULD BE HARD TO AFFORD FOR WILSON ON A REALTOR'S SALARY.

>> SHE WILL RECEIVE A.B.A., AS LONG AS I'M ALIVE.

FULL WEEK, 40 HOURS A WEEK, SHE WILL GET A.B.A.

THERAPY.

>> IT'S ALSO WORRYING A.B.A.

THERAPISTS.

THEY GO ON FIELD TRIPS TO THE MALL AND LIBRARY TO PRACTICE SOCIALIZING IN PUBLIC AND PRACTICE RESTAURANT AND BARBERSHOP SKILLS AT THE FACILITY.

THESE INDIVIDUALS MAY NEED THERAPY AT DIFFERENT POINTS IN THEIR LIVES.

>> ONCE THEY TURN, YOU KNOW, 10, 12, THE SOCIALS SCENE CHANGES.

ALL OF A SUDDEN, THERE'S A LOT MORE COMPLEX SOCIAL INTERACTIONS, BOYFRIENDS, GIRLFRIENDS, A LOT OF SUBTLE THINGS AND NOW THEY NEED MORE SUPPORT AGAIN.

AND THEN MAYBE ONCE THEY TURN, YOU KNOW, 17, 18, NOW THEY'RE LOOKING AT JOB PLACEMENT OR COLLEGE, AND NOW THEY NEED SUPPORT AGAIN.

>> HE COULD OFFER SPEECH AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY TO THOSE WHO HAVE RUN OUT OF A.B.A.

THERAPY HOURS BUT IT WOULD BE LIMITED TO ONCE A WEEK.

AN EXTENDED STAY IS ALSO POSSIBLE IF THE STATE PROVIDES FUNDING BUT THE SERVICE MIGHT NOT BE AS EFFECTIVE.

>> AND WE HAVE A RESPITE STAFF AND THEY COULD STILL WORK ON CONTINUATION OF SKILLS BUT IT WOULD NOT BE ONE-ON-ONE AND IT WOULD PROBABLY BE ONE TO FIVE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT.

SO I GUESS THAT WOULD BE THE DRAWBACK, I THINK, A.B.A.

IS SUCCESSFUL BECAUSE IT'S ONE STAFF, ONE CLIENT.

>> THE PLAN POSES OTHER CHALLENGES FOR SHRIVASTAV, EVERY STAFF MEMBER OF HERS IS ALREADY A REGISTERED BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN BUT MEDICAID HAS IMPOSED ADDITIONAL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR STAFF, LENGTHENING THE HIRING PROCESS.

>> WE HAVE TO IMPOSE A WAIT LIST TO ACCESS THE SERVICES.

>> THE AUTISM SOCIETY OF INDIANA PARTICIPATES IN A LEGISLATION DAY EVERY YEAR WHEN THEY MEET WITH LEGISLATORS TO TALK ABOUT PRIORITIES.

STATE'S PLAN HAS COME UP AS A TOPIC OF DISCUSSION.

>> TYPICALLY, THE GOVERNOR OR WHOEVER OUR LEGISLATORS ARE, THEY ARE GOING TO LISTEN TO PARENTS FIRST.

BEFORE THEY WILL LISTEN TO PROFESSIONALS.

YOU KNOW, BECAUSE THEY TYPICALLY THINK THAT AS A PROFESSIONAL, I'M SAYING THEY NEED 40 HOURS BECAUSE THAT'S INCOME FOR MY CENTER.

SO THAT'S WHY I THINK IT HAS TO BE PARENTS.

>> THE PLAN, IF APPROVED BY THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES WILL GO INTO EFFECT APRIL 1st.

REPORTING FROM THE NEWSROOM FOR "INDIANA NEWSDESK," I'M ISABELLA VESPERINI.

>>> THE TERRE HAUTE CASINO RESORT MARKS ONE YEAR OF OPERATION NEXT WEEK.

CITY, COUNTY AND CASINO LEADERS PROMISED IT WOULD BENEFIT THE AREA, WITH ETHAN SANDWEISS, KATY SZPAK REPORTS ON WHAT PROMISES WERE DELIVERED AND WHO IS STILL WAITING TO CASH IN.

[ APPLAUSE ] >> ELECTED OFFICIALS SHOWED ENTHUSIASM AT THE CASINO'S JUNE 2022 GROUNDBREAKING.

>> HERE'S A COMPANY THAT CAME IN AND NOT ASKED FOR ANY INCENTIVES AND INVESTING THEIR OWN MONEY AND HAVING TO GIVE SOME OF IT BACK AND GIVING SOME OF IT BACK ON THEIR OWN, THAT WE'RE GOING TO BE ABLE TO DO SOME REALLY GREAT THINGS FOR THE CITIZENS OF OUR COMMUNITY, WHETHER YOU GAMBLE OR YOU DON'T, YOU WILL BENEFIT.

>> FOR LEADERS AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT, THE CASINO WAS EXPECTED TO BRING GOOD PAYING JOBS AND FINANCE GOVERNMENT PROJECTS AND STIMULATE LOCAL BUSINESS, LEAST FIRST TWO SEEM TO BE PANNING OUT.

ACCORDING TO THE CASINO THE MAJORITY OF THE 550 EMPLOYEES COME FROM TERRE HAUTE.

ABOUT TWO-THIRDS OF THEM HAVE BEEN HERE SINCE DAY ONE.

>> THE BEST PART OF MY JOB AT THIS POINT IS SEEING SOME OF THESE PEOPLE WHO ARE FROM THIS AREA, WHO HAVE NEVER WORKED IN A CASINO BEFORE, STARTED A LITTLE LESS THAN A YEAR AGO, WHO HAVE NOW MOVED UP ALREADY, AND HAVE BEEN PROMOTED TO LEADERSHIP POSITIONS.

>> STARTING POSITIONS RANGE FROM 15 TO $17 AN HOUR, WHILE TIPPED POSITIONS GO ABOVE 20.

THE AVERAGE HOURLY WAGE IN TERRE HAUTE, ACCORDING TO THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS IS AROUND $24 AN HOUR.

TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY ARE READY TO PUT THOSE TAX DOLLARS TO WORK TOO.

BENNETT SAID AT THE END OF HIS TERM, APPROXIMATELY $10 MILLION WOULD GO FROM THE CASINO DIRECTLY TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN 2025.

>> THOSE NUMBERS ARE A LITTLE BIT HIGHER THAN ANTICIPATED, SO WE'LL DEFINITELY MEET OUR BUDGET REQUIREMENTS BUILD A CASH SURPLUS AND THEN REVIEW THOSE PLANS FROM 2026.

THE CITY ALONE GETS 25% OF GAMING REVENUE PER MONTH AND 40% OF SUPPLEMENTAL TAXES.

A FOUNDATION SET UP BY THE CASINO TO SPONSOR LOCAL PROJECTS HAS RAISED OVER $2.5 MILLION.

>> IT DID TAKE QUITE SOMETIME TO GET BOARD MEMBERS ON BOARD, AND INVOLVED AND THEN ALSO FOR THEM TO HIRE THEIR OWN LEGAL COUNSEL AS PART OF THE FOUNDATION AND GET PROJECTS MOVING.

THERE HASN'T REALLY BEEN ANY MONEY PUT FORWARD OR PUT OUT INTO THE COMMUNITY YET, BUT THAT WILL BE COMING IN THE COMING MONTHS.

>> THE EXTENT TO WHICH CRIME AND PROBLEM GAMBLING HAS AFFECTED TERRE HAUTE IS UNCLEAR.

BUT THE CASINO FUND WILL COVER PUBLIC PROJECTS THIS YEAR, INCLUDING PART OF A RENOVATION FOR THE LOCAL Y.M.C.A.

IT'S ALSO PAYING FOR A NEW AQUATICS CENTER AT THE DUNNING PARK ROAD AND PAVING AND SIDEWALK WORK.

$800,000 IS GOING TO THE VIGO COUNTY SCHOOL CORPORATION FOR SUPPLIES, TRANSPORTATION AND SECURITY SERVICES.

>> MOST NORMAL VIGO AND TERRE HAUTE PEOPLE ARE EXCITED ABOUT, IT INNKEEPERS TAX REVENUE AND STUFF LIKE THAT AND WE HAVE TO FIND A GOOD WAY TO USE THAT MONEY.

>> THE CHALLENGE IS GETTING TOURISTS INTO THE CITY.

>> AT FEDERAL COFFEE, NUMEROUS COSTS SAY THEY ARE STAYING AT THE NEARBY CONVENTION CENTER, BUT BARISTA SIDNEY HARMON SAYS VERY FEW ARE STAYING AT THE CASINO.

>> WE ARE A BIT OF A DRIVE FROM THE CASINO.

WE ARE NOT SEEING THE CUSTOMERS COME INTO TOWN FOR.

>> WITH FIVE RESTAURANTS AND SIX BARS THERE'S A LOT OF IN-HOUSE OPTIONS FOR HOTEL GUESTS.

THEY HAVE A RELIABLE WAY OF HOW MANY CASINO PATRONS VISIT OTHER SPOTS IN TERRE HAUTE BUT THEY HAVE BEEN MEETING TO COME ONE IDEA.

>> HOW CAN WE SELL HOLMAN LINKS GOLF COURSE AND JAYFORD STEAKHOUSE OR THE VERVE TO FOLKS WHO ARE AT THE CASINO AND THAT'S WHERE WE REALLY NEED TO START SYNCHRONIZING OUR MARKETING AND TOURIST AVENUES.

>> THERE'S BEEN A LOT OF GREAT BRAINSTORMING.

WE WILL SEE WHERE IT COMES.

THESE PEOPLE ARE HAVING CONVERSATIONS ALL AIMED AT, AGAIN, GROWING TOURISM AND CONVENTION IN THIS AREA.

>> AS SOMEONE WHO LIVES AND WORKS IN TERRE HAUTE, HARMON SAYS THE BEST WAY TO ATTRACT CASINO VISITORS DOWNTOWN MAY BE SIMPLER.

>> MAYBE A LITTLE BIT MORE DOWNTOWN.

WE HAVE A COUPLE BARS BUT THAT'S MORE NIGHT LIFE AND OBVIOUSLY AS A COFFEE SHOP, WE'RE NOT OPEN AT NIGHT TIME.

SO MAYBE SOME MORE RESTAURANTS, MORE STUFF TO DO DOWNTOWN DURING THE DAY INSTEAD OF DRINKING.

FOR "INDIANA NEWSDESK," WITH ETHAN SAND WEISS, I'M KATY SZPAK.

>> THE TERRE HAUTE CASINO EARNED MORE THAN $10 MILLION FROM GAMING LAST MONTH, ABOUT TWICE AS MUCH AS SOUTHERN INDIANA'S FRENCH LICK RESORT.

>>> SPRING IS IN THE AIR AT MEMORIAL STADIUM.

THE INDIANA FOOTBALL TEAM IS A QUARTER OF THE WAY THROUGH ITS ALLOTTED 15 PRACTICES THIS SPRING, AND ONE OF THE PRIORITIES IS GETTING CAL TRANSFER FERNANDO MENDOZA UP TO SPEED AT QUARTERBACK.

>> I'M EXPECTED TO BE THE GUY FROM DAY ONE.

SO IT'S A GREAT CHALLENGE THAT I'VE ACCEPTED, AND I HAVE REALLY ENJOYED LEARNING ALL THE GUYS AND LEARNING EVERYBODY ON OFFENSE, DEFENSE, SPECIALISTS.

>> SPRING PRACTICE WRAPS UP WITH THE ANNUAL SPRING GAME ON THURSDAY, APRIL 17th.

THAT'S THE END OF THIS PROGRAM, BUT OUR WORK CONTINUES ONLINE, AS WE COVER THE NEWS THROUGHOUT THE WEEK AT WTIUNEWS.ORG.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND.

"INDIANA NEWSDESK" IS MADE