State of the State React
Here’s some reaction to Governor Mitch Daniels State of the State address. Is anyone really surprised?
Pat Bauer, House Democratic Leader
“Yet for the seventh year in a row, our governor does not use his State of the State speech to talk about the number one problem that concerns most Hoosiers: jobs. This is the address that is supposed to define his vision to the people of Indiana, but when it comes to getting Hoosiers back to work, this governor is wearing blinders. “Our state’s unemployment rate has hovered around the 10 percent mark for far too long. “We have fewer Hoosiers working now than when this governor took office. “While Mitch Daniels, the candidate for governor, said he was ‘unwilling to stand still while Hoosiers earn 91 cents for every $1 earned by the average American,’ Gov. Daniels chooses to say nothing as Hoosiers now earn close to 85 cents for every $1 earned by the average American.
Jim Merritt, Republican State Senator, Indianapolis
“Indiana Senate Republicans say their caucus stands ready to work with Gov. Mitch Daniels and other lawmakers to balance the state’s two-year state budget and to consider reforms outlined in Tuesday’s State of the State Address. Gov. Daniels’ remarks have set the tone for a productive legislative session. I believe as lawmakers we need to take these ambitious ideas, build upon them and make lasting improvements to how we educate Hoosier children now and for generations to come.”
Vi Simpson, Senate Democratic Leader
“I was disappointed that the governor did not spend time tonight addressing what is on the minds of over 300,000 unemployed Hoosiers – Jobs. The real state of our state is that too many Hoosiers are out of work and the wages are dropping. “The state’s fiscal condition right now reflects that of Indiana households – high uncertainty about income and tough decisions on how we can best spend limited dollars. “Governor Daniels has said the overarching vision of his economic plan is ‘to meet the national average in per capita income and average annual wages by 2020.’ Instead, our average personal income has fallen from 34th in the nation to 40th. The average income of Hoosier workers has dropped from 90 percent of the national average to 85 percent since 2004. That means we’re not recovering faster than other states…”.
Greg Ballard, Mayor of Indianapolis
“Under the leadership of Governor Mitch Daniels, Indiana continues to achieve successful government reforms and is well-positioned for future growth. Governor Daniels has aggressively pursued policies that have positioned the state as a national model for infrastructure improvements and attracting private sector jobs and investment, and this has a direct, positive impact on moving the City of Indianapolis and its residents forward. I applaud Governor Daniels for his stewardship, and I thank him for being such a great partner for Indianapolis.”
David Warrick, AFSCME 62
“I commend Governor Daniels for his comments this evening. I respect his commitment to the people of Indiana. “Governor Daniels has properly stated that the key to putting people back to work and growing the middle class is protecting the jobs that Hoosiers have while seeking opportunities to create new ones. Keeping police officers on the street and teachers in the classrooms means a stronger economy. Starving public services that Hoosiers rely on most is not the way to solve our current budget challenges. “Some politicians have recently taken to blaming public employees and long-established labor laws aimed at protecting Hoosier workers for our depressed economy. This misinformation is a smear tactic at best. It is imperative that Governor Daniels attacks the real problems facing our state, not the imagined ones.
Eric Holcomb, Chairman Indiana Republican Party
“Governor Daniels delivered another annual reminder that our work is never done and taxpayers can count on this session to be another bold assignment. While Indiana occupies the pole position when it comes to balancing our budget, living within our means, and creating the best place in America to do business, the Governor rightly points out it’s no time to rest. He mentioned multiple areas where legislators and citizens alike have an opportunity for historic accomplishment. “
