Opinion ID: 853537
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: LCEOC as a Political Subdivision

Text: The Indiana Tort Claims Act provides that a community action agency shall be treated as a political subdivision, Ind. Code § 34-4-16.5-20, and must meet the following conditions: (1) Is any of the following: (A) A political subdivision of the State. (B) A combination of political subdivisions. (C) An agency of a political subdivision. (D) A private nonprofit agency. (2) Has the authority under state or federal law ... to support community action programs.... (3) Is designated as a community action agency by the governor or by federal law. Ind.Code Ann. § 12-14-23-2 (West 1994) (emphasis added). It is apparent that LCEOC is a private nonprofit agency with authority to conduct community action programs, so the dispute between the parties focuses on whether the governor has designated LCEOC as a community action agency under Ind.Code § 12-14-23-2(3). In a letter to LCEOC dated June 12, 1990, Governor Evan Bayh wrote in pertinent part, your organization is recognized as the Community Action Agency of your area: Lake County Economic Opportunity Council Serving Jasper, Lake, Newton and Porter counties. (R. at 488.) Greer argues that this recognition is an insufficient designation under Ind. Code § 12-14-23-2(3). (Appellee's Br. at 13.) Greer is certainly correct that designation and recognition have slightly different meanings, but pushing these nuances too far is just lexicographic hair-splitting. The words have the same effect here. By designation, the governor means, I say that LCEOC is a community action agency, by recognition, I see that LCEOC is a community action agency. The result of both statements is to say, LCEOC is a community action agency.