Fiscal restraint was the theme of Governor Mike Pence’s first State of the State address to the Indiana General Assembly. The Republican took to the podium with the goal of convincing legislators and Hoosiers across the state, that a 10% income tax cut is a fiscally responsible move.
Pence says since the state is bringing in more than it spends; it leave some of that money in Hoosiers’ pockets.
“I believe the government budget should never grow faster than the family budget. Our budget is a full percentage point less than inflation. By holding the line on spending, Indiana can continue to stand out as a beacon of fiscal restraint that knows how to fund its priorities in a responsible way.”
Pence also called for a reduction of state regulations, which he says stunt economic growth.
“That's why on day one of our administration, I signed a moratorium on any new regulations to ensure that Indiana is not burdening Hoosier employers with unnecessary red tape.”
The governor also reached out to military families, calling for at least 3% of all state contracts awarded to go to veteran-owned businesses. On education, he said he will work with State Superintendent Glenda Ritz to give teachers more freedom in the classroom. He also called on legislators to increase K-12 public school funding by about 1%.
Republicans at the statehouse agree that the need for more K-12 funding exists, but some say 1% isn’t enough. Senate President Pro Tem David Long (R-Fort Wayne) says the state needs to provide more funding to districts, especially to bolster school safety.
“We’re looking for ways to make sure we have a sustainable and effective safety program for schools, and we’re going to have to help our schools pay for it, because we want to make sure it’s implemented in a way that’s affordable, yet effective.”
Pence’s proposed budget does set aside money for a comprehensive school safety review.
During the Democratic response to the speech, House Minority Leader Scott Pelath (D-Michigan City) praised Pence’s call for more vocational training in high schools, but says one specific Pence proposal does give the Democrats a cause for concern.
“And that is the incongruity between the expansion of some of the recent changes which have not been evaluated, not been tested, plunging the state headlong into an expansion of things like vouchers, ‘market Wall Street style’ completion between schools.”
He says Hoosiers are not ready to expand some of the education proposals started during the previous administration that Pence wants to expand.
“People in Indiana just sent a message with the election of Democrat Glenda Ritz, that they want the state to go slow in enacting further changes.”