Holcomb Agenda Focuses on ‘Five Pillars’

Governor-elect Eric Holcomb has detailed a legislative agenda that keys on issues he says "affect Hoosiers most." It includes focus on infrastructure funding and work force development initiatives. Several economy-related initiatives singled out by Holcomb include support for investing $1 billion over 10 years to make the state a hub of innovation, an investment fund focused on Hoosier companies and a 20-year road funding plan. In a news conference Thursday at the Statehouse, Holcomb said the agenda will shape every decision made by his administration.

Indiana House Minority Leader Scott Pelath (D-9) said "there are differences in detail," but he is generally in agreement on some concepts like building the work force and modernizing aging infrastructure. Pelath did take issue with a few issues that didn’t make the list. "There are communities throughout Indiana that are seeing their school systems being asphyxiated by recent changes in state funding, that needs to be addressed," he said. "Another thing that is missing here is it’s great to talk about investment, it’s great to talk about modernizing infrastructure, but there are a lot of perceived differences between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots.’" You can read more of his response by clicking here and see the legislative agenda for House Democrats by clicking here.

Holcomb’s "Five Pillars of Indiana’s 2017 Next Level Legislative Agenda" are:

1. Cultivate a strong and diverse economy by growing Indiana as a magnet for jobs.
2. Create a 20-year plan to fund roads and bridges.
3. Develop a 21st Century skilled and ready workforce.
4. Attack the drug epidemic.
5. Deliver great government service.

Holcomb will officially take office following a swearing-in ceremony Monday at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. You can read additional details of his plan by clicking here.