We Make Indiana

Democrat Scott Ruszkowski and Republican Rod Laureys, vying for St. Joseph Count sheriff Nov. 3, will appear at a 6:30 p.m. Thursday candidates forum organized by We Make Indiana.

The nonprofit We Make Indiana on Thursday said it's wrong for a wealthy corporation like Microsoft to receive tax breaks while a growing number of people across Michiana are struggling.

We Make Indiana organizers say that since the Indiana General Assembly has exempted data centers from paying sales tax, they should spend some of their hundreds of millions of dollars in tax savings to help meet the growing needs of citizens in St. Joseph County.

We Make Indiana, the faith-based interdenominational nonprofit, has asked Microsoft to enter into a Fair Share Agreement pledging part of their Granger data center profits to fund a wide range of community needs.

South Bend faith communities are calling on the city to tighten its Rental Safety Verification Program and step up enforcement against problem landlords.

“We seem to have endless funding for war, but not enough funding to support those who really need it,” said Zion Community Church Pastor Wayne Peterson-Stephan.