MORGAN COUNTY Hoosier Act continues to live upto its name, as the group takes actions across the state in order to improve the lives Hoosiers around the world.
Hoosier Action is a member-led, chapter-based organization that focuses on holding officials in the state and local governments accountable for contamination and pollution that has an impact on residents in the county. During COVID the group focused on housing for Morgan County residents.
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The group recently had a conversation about a number issues affecting Morgan County residents with State Senator Rodric Bray (R–Martinsville).
Tasha Copper, organizer for Morgan County’s chapter Hoosier Action noted that the group had created a legislative plan which they brought toBray.
Coppinger stated that the agenda was a collection of issues that Coppinger had compiled after speaking to more than ten thousand Hoosiers during the summer. “Many of the issues we see directly impact Morgan County residents,” Coppinger said.
Coppinger said that the issues covered everything from drug use to a lack of childcare to housing and environmental problems.
Hoosier Action is concerned about several toxic plumes in Martinsville. These plumes are especially concentrated at Pike Street and Mulberry Streets. The Environmental Protection Agency just began a $12 million cleanup.
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“We are very committed to solving the problem and would prefer it be solved sooner than later. David Schell, environment coordinator for Morgan County’s Hoosier Action Chapter, stated.
Schell stated that Bray seemed very interested to work together to solve the plume problems.
Coppinger stated to the Reporter-Times that “part of what was difficult about the plumes it that it’sn’t directly a legislative problem right now.” “I want… to figure out… how to actually get the legislature funding for the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to clean-up sites like Martinsville.”
Coppinger stated that they would follow up with Bray regarding the plumes in March but would be seeking out results for other concerns set forth in their agenda much earlier.
Schell said, “The end result, which is our intention, and we have to clean up any plumes and to destroy/eliminate any possibility of people getting cancer, or neurological diseases, that have been directly related to it through the EPA.”
Schell stated that the EPA plan would see the plumes completely eliminated in 30 years.
Schell stated that “We would love something much sooner than that… two to three years at most.”
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Coppinger stated, “We want the plumes in Martinsville to be cleaned up, but we also want it to stop happening throughout the state.” “Every Hoosier (should) have clean air and water, and be able breathe the air in his or her home without getting sick.”
Schell said that there were four plumes in Martinsville but that more were spread across the state.
Schell stated, “There are fifty-seven additional of them in Indiana.” “I just hope the community realizes that there are many people who… aren’t going to let it continue as it has for thirty years.”
“We are determined and will take action,” he said. “We care about it, and we’re going do something about it.”
Coppinger encourages citizens contact their representatives to ask questions and keep up to date.
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Coppinger stated that “I believe our legislatures aren’t hearing enough from everyday citizens.””They are not hearing enough from people who are simply living in the community and are struggling.
For more information on Hoosier Action and how to get involved, contactCoppinger at [email protected] or call/text (740) 274-5444.
Contact Reporter-Times reporter Grace Phillipsat [email protected] or at 765-346-4815