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211 help line could get financial help

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – A bill to be filed in the Indiana Statehouse this year would partner the philanthropic sector to help fund 211, the telephone information and referral service.

The announcement was made Thursday by House Majority Floor Leader Jud McMillin (R-Brookville), who will be the primary sponsor of the legislation. In the Senate, Jim Merritt (R-Indianapolis) will support the proposal.

The Indiana 211 Partnership says the service helped more than 400,000 people last year. They’d like to add to that number in 2015.

Sen. Karen Tallian (D-Portage) on Thursday morning said she doesn’t plan to waste any time in asking that the money be included in the next budget.

“I’m going upstairs right now because I’m late for the Budget Committee hearing. The governor’s budget is going to be proposed,” said Sen. Tallian. “And I will be asking them, ‘Did you put in any money for 211?’”

Supporters say 211 connects Hoosiers in need to services that can result in long-term savings to society and help more people become more self-reliant.