At the helm of a city with an unhoused population mired in mental health and substance abuse issues, Kerry Thomson asked a panel of state lawmakers last week what they will do about the statewide crisis.

“It cannot be addressed just at the local level,” the Bloomington mayor's written query stated.

There was discussion of the challenges, but no answers offered when Thomson suggested the state lead the way toward healthcare and recovery instead of the criminal justice system for vulnerable people not receiving care.
​
Last year, state lawmakers passed bills to boost funding for mental health services across the state. One increases funding to local mental health centers and another directs $100 million to mental health services.

More than 100 people were assembled at The Mill at midday on Friday for the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce Legislative Preview.

This year’s session of the Indiana legislature started on Jan. 8 and will wrap up by mid-March.
​
Friday’s crowd got to hear four Indiana state legislators answer a question posed by Bloomington’s new mayor Kerry Thomson—about mental health.

​Thomson’s question, which she had written out on one of the cards distributed for that purpose, was read aloud by the Bloomington Chamber’s CEO, Eric Spoonmore:

​Bloomington, IN – January 3, 2022 – The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Legislative Preview next Friday, January 14th from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the American Legion Post 18.
 
Every January the Chamber kicks off the year in advocacy with the Legislative Preview event, during which the Legislative Agenda for the year is presented and local legislators are invited to share with Chamber members what to expect from the upcoming session.
 
The following legislators represent parts of Bloomington/Monroe County and have been invited to attend:
 
State Sen. Eric Koch (District 44)
State Sen. Shelli Yoder (District 40)
State Rep. Jeff Ellington (District 62)
State Rep. Bob Heaton (District 46)
State Rep. Chris May (District 65)
State Rep. Peggy Mayfield (District 60)
State Rep. Matt Pierce (District 61)
 
The program will begin promptly at 12:00pm with lunch being served at 11:15am.
 
This event is open to the public, but registration is required. Members may register to attend for $25 while non-members may register to attend for $40. To register, visit www.chamberbloomington.org.

​The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Legislative Preview next Friday, January 15th from 12:00pm to 1:30pm.
 
Every January the Chamber kicks off the year in advocacy with the Legislative Preview event,
during which the Legislative Agenda for the year is presented and local legislators are invited to share with Chamber members what to expect from the upcoming session.
 
The following legislators represent parts of Bloomington/Monroe County and have been invited to attend:

• Sen. Eric Koch (District 44)
• Sen. Shelli Yoder (District 40)
• Rep. Jeff Ellington (District 62)
• Rep. Bob Heaton (District 46)
• Rep. Chris May (District 65)
• Rep. Peggy Mayfield (District 60)
• Rep. Matt Pierce (District 61)

 
The program will begin promptly at 12:00pm via Zoom.
 
This event is open to the public, but registration is required. Members may register to attend for $10 (or $20 with a lunch gift card) while non-members may register to attend for $35 (or $45 with a lunch gift card). Attendees who register for one of the lunch options will have a $10 Azzip Pizza gift card available for pick up at the Chamber office located at 421 W 6th Street. To register, click here.