Eric Holcomb in 2023 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Budget & Economy:
Indiana has become known for our responsible budgets
Because of our strategic collaboration [with the legislature], Indiana has become known for our responsible budgets--and this one is no different. We have again proposed to make an additional $1 billion contribution to the pre-1996 teachers'
pension fund. Since 2011, 30 years have been cut from the time to fully fund this pension, which will free up dollars for other uses beginning in 2029 instead of 2059. And just since 2017, we've paid down our state debt by 31%!
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Indiana legislature
Jan 10, 2023
On Education:
State should cover cost of "curriculum fees" paid by parents
For parents of school-aged children, fees for curriculum materials essential for in-class instruction can be hundreds of dollars each year--per child--depending on the district! Sadly, Indiana remains one of only seven states that still allows this
disguised tax to be levied on parents. Our state constitution promises a tuition-free education. Let's cover the full cost of curriculum fees paid for by parents so that--starting next school year--no parent receives such a dreadful bill again.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Indiana legislature
Jan 10, 2023
On Health Care:
Address mental health, addiction, suicide, & public health
What really struck me is that our life expectancy in Indiana has declined in recent years--specifically among those who are front and center to our future--working age adults between 25 and 64-years-old. That's a pattern we need to reverse, and
I will politely push and prod and poke everyone I can to adopt the commission's recommendations, including a significant increase in our state's public-health appropriation--$120 million in the first year and $227 million in the second year.
Our health and wellbeing challenges extend to addressing mental health problems, helping Hoosiers defeat addiction, maternal and infant mortality, and assisting our veterans who face double the risk of dying by suicide than other groups.
Our localized pathways to improvement must include programs to attack these issues, close to home, by building sustainable systems that prevent and respond to a crisis and investing in data-driven, evidence-based community programs.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Indiana legislature
Jan 10, 2023
On Technology:
We're investing in infrastructure in all 92 counties
It's been said that investment is the strongest sign of a promising future. Well, investment loves Indiana, and we have a race plan in place to help all 92 counties reach their Next Level aspirations. That includes finishing I-69 next year, connecting
Evansville to Indianapolis three years ahead of schedule, double-tracking the South Shore rail line in northwest Indiana, and connecting homes, and schools, and businesses via broadband internet--even on our most remote terrain.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Indiana legislature
Jan 10, 2023
Page last updated: Apr 02, 2023