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Pence offering advice on gov't shutdown

Governor Mike Pence expressed frustration with the federal government shutdown Friday, calling on the president and congressional leaders to find common ground. 

Earlier this week, Pence made remarks that seemingly indicated he thought the government shutdown was worthwhile.  On Friday, the governor said he was speaking broadly about efforts to repeal or delay the Affordable Care Act and that he’s disappointed in the shutdown.  He also called out the Obama administration, saying the president needs to take the lead in working out a deal in Congress. 

Pence says his recommendation is a repeal of what he calls the “job-killing” medical device tax contained within the Affordable Care Act.

“I truly believe that it has bipartisan support in the House and Senate and if the president is looking for true common ground to move past this government shutdown, to get the government reopened and accept some changes to Obamacare, I think that’s a great place to start.”

While the shutdown continues, Pence says he’s asked the Indiana Office of Management and Budget to evaluate ways the state can provide support to needy Hoosiers affected by the shutdown. 

Brandon Smith is excited to be working for public radio in Indiana. He has previously worked in public radio as a reporter and anchor in mid-Missouri for KBIA Radio out of Columbia. Prior to that, he worked for WSPY Radio in Plano, Illinois as a show host, reporter, producer and anchor. His first job in radio was in another state capitol, in Jefferson City, Missouri, as a reporter for three radio stations around Missouri. Brandon graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor of Journalism in 2010, with minors in political science and history. He was born and raised in Chicago.
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