HomeMy WebLinkAboutPress Release-Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr. and Councilmember Lori K. Hamann Calls for More Comprehensive Measures to Protect South Bend Residents Henry Davis, JR.
2nd District Council Member ____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 227 W. Jefferson Blvd. Rm. 441 Office: (574) 235-5983 FAX: (574) 235-5575 County-City Building South Bend, IN Voicemail: (574) 235-5983 TDD: (574) 235-5567 46601- 1830 Email:HDAVIS@SOUTHBENDIN.GOV
NEWS RELEASE Subject: Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. and Councilmember Lori K. Hamann Calls for More Comprehensive Measures to Protect South Bend Residents Date: Friday, March 13, 2020 Contact: hdavis@southbendin.gov (574)-300-52414 lkhamann@southbendin.gov (574)-514-7405 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dear Neighbors & Friends, As our nation confronts this global pandemic COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), it is important that the City of South Bend take immediate measures to safeguard the health, security and well-being of residents, employees, consumers and those that conduct business in our municipality.
Over the last few days, I have talked to my constituents, service providers, community leaders and colleagues to share information, address concerns, and develop necessary measures that will prevent the
spread of COVID-19, as well as reduce panic and misinformation as we grapple with this emergency. As the councilman of the 2nd District of South Bend, I am poised to take action to help prevent the spread
of the virus and to ensure that we do all we can to prevent the loss of life. I am also concerned about our seniors, homeless, detainees, children and disabled residents, many of whom lack the resources that will keep them informed and safe. This morning, I started speaking to leaders of community-based organizations, medical experts, health care professionals, social service agencies, business groups, faith-based institutions, and frontline individuals throughout the city to form a 2nd District Coronavirus Crisis Advisory Council. We intend to hold—as needed—conference calls to develop a districtwide safety and information plan as we learn more about this disease. I will encourage Mayor James Mueller to consider the following sweeping measures upon the declaration
of a public health emergency by our Governor: 1. Emergency Paid Leave: City of South Bend employees who have tested positive for the coronavirus
will be given 15-days paid leave of absence to ensure their job security and so people can get well and not have to worry if they will be able to feed their families.
Henry Davis, JR.
2nd District Council Member ____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 227 W. Jefferson Blvd. Rm. 441 Office: (574) 235-5983 FAX: (574) 235-5575 County-City Building South Bend, IN Voicemail: (574) 235-5983 TDD: (574) 235-5567 46601- 1830 Email:HDAVIS@SOUTHBENDIN.GOV
2. Halt All Residential Evictions: Demand that Saint Joseph halt all residential evictions for the duration
of this emergency period. 3. Suspend all Non-Essential Court Proceedings: Demand that for a period of 30-60 days all non-
essential court proceedings be suspended. Non-essential court proceedings are defined as - civil proceedings only. These proceedings include the following: Traffic Hearings; Domestic Hearings; Eviction Hearings; Building Court Violations and Foreclosure Hearings. This demand does not include criminal proceedings. 4. Halt All Utility Shutoffs: Demand that South Bend residents will have access to all utility services, including electrical, gas and water for the duration of the pandemic and therefore no household will experience a disruption of utility services. 5. Emergency Consumer Protection: Monitor businesses and individuals who seek to take advantage of consumers through price gouging and other nefarious, exploitive schemes during this state of emergency. 6. Emergency Safety Net Hospital Relief: Provide support to hospitals, to provide additional support to the impacted community, including providing coronavirus home testing kits, free prevention supplies
(hand sanitizer, face masks, etc.) and other community-based resources. 7. Emergency Telework Policy: Allow City of South Bend employees to work from home in order to
increase social distancing measures that help prevent the spread of the virus. It is important that we do our diligence and not spread unnecessary panic throughout our community. That is why it is important for you to stay informed by visiting: sjcindiana.com/302/Health-Department and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov ###