Child Care, Gig Economy Worker Relief Still Unresolved

Indiana officials say they hope to have help soon for Hoosiers in need of child care and “gig economy” workers.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jennifer McCormick says securing child care opportunities – in the wake of school closures from COVID-19 – is a top priority. She says the state is working to identify available resources and regions most in need.

“We are also well aware we need to target our priorities to health care, hospital providers and public safety employees,” McCormick says.

READ MORE: Can I Go For A Walk? Here's What A 'Stay-At-Home' Order Really Does

LEE MAS: ¿Qué Necesita Saber Acerca Del Coronavirus? Tenemos Respuestas.

Also currently without answers: self-employed Hoosiers and independent contractors who are unable to access unemployment benefits. State leaders – like Department of Workforce Development Commissioner Fred Payne – say they’re excited about the help that’s likely to arrive from the latest federal stimulus package.

“So, there should be some information coming out over the next few days on those businesses that wouldn’t ordinarily be covered and individuals who wouldn’t ordinarily be covered but who will now be covered under disaster relief,” Payne says.

Congress is still working out details on the third phase of COVID-19 relief funding.

Contact Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.

This is a rapidly evolving story, and we are working hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, we recommend checking the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Indiana State Department of Health for the most recent numbers of COVID-19 cases.