$5 million dollars in state compensation has already been distributed to State Fair victims.  State lawmakers considering a bill to double the compensation fund threw in an additional $1 million today.

A state Senate committee voted 11-to-1 to increase the state fair compensation fund.  “At least this takes a significant additional step towards providing compensation to those victims,” said Sen. John Broden (D-South Bend.)

A week ago the committee heard from high school student Brad Humphrey who was at the fateful Sugarland concert last August.  “After Sugarland,” Humphrey testified, “I am a paraplegic and spend all day in this wheelchair.  I take a lot of medications.”  His medical expenses may reach $5 million over his lifetime.

Committee members say his testimony prompted them to find more money.  Another victim, Lisa Hite of Logansport, said it’s a welcome increase but still not enough.  “It’s going to help some,” said Hite, “like a drop in the bucket but it will help some.”

Even the lone no vote on the committee is sympathetic.  “I think it’s important that we do provide some additional funding for the state fair disaster,” said Sen. Lindel Hume (D-Princeton.)  He objected to other portions of the bill that includes the State Fair money.

The bill now goes to the floor of the state Senate.