City-County Council Supports Teacher Vaccines, Approves Money For Pandemic Response And Other Measures

The Indianapolis City-County Council held a full meeting Monday night. The meeting started with measures to prioritize teachers and public transportation workers for COVID-19 vaccinations. 

City-County Councilor Jessica McCormick said the policy should be updated.

“The council urges our partners in public health to carefully consider the age and racial makeup of education workers to ensure equitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine,” McCormick said.

The special resolution cannot change vaccine availability. That power rests with the state and other policy makers.

A new proposal was introduced to establish the County Cumulative Capital Development Fund to cover costs for $190 million in facility upgrades, including money for parks and a forensics lab, announced by Mayor Joe Hogestt this week.

READ MORE: Indianapolis To Invest $190 Million In Facility Upgrades

The council appropriated additional funding for COVID-19-related expenses to the city budget, including money for rental assistance, paycheck protection and small business loans.

It also approved amendments to the city’s homeless bill of rights that include a study of alternative shelter options for those experiencing homelessness.

Council member Leroy Robinson said the study will hear from those most impacted.

“The study process will include input from service providers and individuals with lived experience of homelessness,” Robinson said.

The council also approved re-appointments including that of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Randal Taylor.