Reaction to Holcomb’s 2023 Agenda

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb has received mostly positive reaction to his 2023 Next Level Agenda.  Below is some of the reaction…

House Speaker Todd Huston

•  “We look forward to working alongside Governor Holcomb this session to ensure Indiana’s positive momentum continues to grow, which impacts everything from our strong economy to educational and workforce opportunities. Indiana is in an incredible financial position as we craft the state’s next two-year budget, and that’s due to conservative leadership and unwavering dedication to fiscal responsibility. We’ll build on that track record, and maintain our focus on funding critical services and making strategic, one-time investments that deliver results for Hoosiers – all while keeping government small.”

Senate President Pro Tem Rod Bray

• “Senate Republicans share a number of the governor’s priorities for the 2023 legislative session. Above all, we will seek to pass a balanced budget that funds the needs of Hoosiers. We share the governor’s goals of improving our public and mental health infrastructure and providing new funding to that end, as well as paying down the pre-1996 Teachers’ Retirement Fund, supporting law enforcement and continuing to fully fund the state’s K-12 public education. We look forward to a productive session as we collaborate with our colleagues in the House of Representatives and the governor this year.”

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne)

• “From eliminating textbook fees to making historic investments in public health, Democrats and Gov. Holcomb are on the same page and I’m glad to see support for the ideas we’ve championed for years . But I’m afraid the real question is whether Statehouse Republicans are as forward-thinking as Statehouse Democrats and the governor.”  

Kevin Brinegar, Indiana Chamber of Commerce

• “The Governor’s agenda is appropriately focused on the economic well-being and health of our citizens, our communities and our state,” Brinegar shares. “His budget priorities include significant new investments in preparing our children for the demands of a 21st century workplace (from pre-K through high school) and lifting up the skills of our adult workforce to fill the jobs of today and tomorrow.”
• Enhancing Indiana’s communities to help make them more attractive at a time when quality of life amenities is vitally important to attracting and retaining skilled workers is laudable, according to Brinegar. Furthermore, the Indiana Chamber supports implementing the Governor’s Public Health Commission recommendations, which include a budget request for $120 million for state fiscal year 2024 and $227 million in 2025.
• “Streamlining and increasing health care access in all 92 counties is a major step in this endeavor,” Brinegar offers. “Mental health and addiction problems also continue to plague the state so it’s encouraging to see the Governor’s generating more momentum in this area.”
• Further refreshing and expanding the tools at the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s disposal for enhanced competitiveness are important objectives outlined as well. Specifically, the Indiana Chamber supports bolstering capital investment, expanding the Manufacturing Readiness Grant Program and increasing the Indiana Destination Development Corporation’s funding by $20 million to attract visitors and retain students as they transition to the workforce.
• These priorities and others in Gov. Holcomb’s proposed budget are highly aligned with the Indiana Chamber’s legislative agenda that was released in November, Brinegar points out. In particular, the Indiana Chamber has stressed in recent months the importance of a continuum of policies and investments to address Indiana’s Leaking Talent Pipeline that spans from early childhood to post-college graduates. This includes increasing childcare access and enhancing K-12 and higher education performance.
• “It’s imperative for employers that more Hoosiers are brought into – and remain in – the workforce with appropriate training,” he concludes. “Building pathways to prosperity start early and we look forward to working with the Governor and legislators in both parties to turn these goals into realities.”