INDIANAPOLIS (November 10, 2005) ? Governor Mitch Daniels signed an executive order today that will provide special paid leave for state employees whose homes were severely damaged or destroyed by the tornadoes and storms in Southwestern Indiana on November 6.

The governor issued the order after meeting a state employee, Sue Overby, during his second visit to Vanderburgh and Warrick counties on Thursday. As he walked through a heavily damaged neighborhood in Newburgh, he met Overby, whose home was there.

?I learned from her that she would not have paid leave from work to take care of her situation,? said the governor.

The executive order grants special paid leave of not more than 15 work days to state employees who reside in Vanderburgh or Warrick counties and whose principal residence was heavily damaged or destroyed by the storms, so they may address their housing needs. The time period for the special leave concludes December 6.

The state is aware of at least nine state employees who may be eligible for the leave.

?Every Hoosier will feel this is fair under the circumstances,? said Daniels.

The governor will visit the affected counties on Wednesday afternoon (Nov. 16) to take another look at the progress of disaster assistance and reconstruction.

A copy of the executive order can be found at this link: http://www.in.gov/gov/media/eo/index.html