Eric Holcomb in 2020 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Budget & Economy:
Building "One Indiana" border to border
A booming economy requires a strong infrastructure and our growth has enabled us to make unprecedented investments into building "One Indiana," border to border. We're completing I-69 from Evansville to Indy three years ahead of schedule,
and we're making US 31 stoplight-free all the way up to South Bend.
Source: 2020 Indiana State of the State address
Jan 14, 2020
On Crime:
Training programs for felons reduced recidivism
I challenged our Department of Correction to graduate 1,000 inmates annually in certified programs that lead to good jobs when they get out--both to boost our economy and because they are less likely to return to prison. I'm happy to report,
that as of today the DOC has graduated more than 3,000 inmates in just two year. Because of these new programs and opportunities, our state recidivism rate has dropped 4 percent.
Source: 2020 Indiana State of the State address
Jan 14, 2020
On Education:
$115 million to increase teacher pay, more to come
I created the Teacher Compensation Commission and asked them to come up with a sustainable plan to make our teacher salaries competitive with other Midwestern states. Last year, we devoted an unprecedented increase of $763 million new dollars in
K-12 education, including paying down $150 million in the Teacher Retirement Fund, which freed up $65 million more a year for teacher pay increases.More Indiana school districts have raised teacher salaries this year than in any other year in recent
history. I am recommending that the General Assembly use an additional $250 million from our surplus and put it toward teacher retirement funds. In turn, $50 million a year will be generated to redirect to teacher pay.
Together that's $115 million more available annually to increase teacher pay with more to come after the Compensation Commission releases its recommendations.
Source: 2020 Indiana State of the State address
Jan 14, 2020
On Environment:
Additional million trees to be planted over next five years
We now have four times more timberland acreage than we did 100 years ago. Recently, I learned the Central Indiana Land Trust has committed to planting one million trees throughout Indiana that will buffer some of our most iconic natural areas.
I've directed the Department of Natural Resources to plant another million trees on top of that over the next five years. That extra timberland will perfectly complement our $100 million renovation to our incredible memory-making state parks.
Source: 2020 Indiana State of the State address
Jan 14, 2020
On Principles & Values:
Every citizen should have equal access and opportunity
My fellow Hoosiers, we've become known around the world as "A State that Works." I want Indiana to become known as "A State that Works for All." Where every citizen--no matter their background or age or who they love or whether
they grew up here or arrived last week--has equal access and opportunity to go as far as they wish and are willing to work to get there. That's what I'll continue to fight for.
Source: 2020 Indiana State of the State address
Jan 14, 2020
Page last updated: Apr 14, 2020