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- Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb mentioned initiatives in manufacturing, public well being and the humanities in his final State of the State address on Tuesday.
- Holcomb, unable to hunt reelection as a consequence of time period limits, mentioned he’s dedicated to serving till the tip of his time period and didn’t reveal his post-office plans.
- A $250 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. was introduced for regional redevelopment, arts and cultural initiatives all through the state.
A sturdy manufacturing trade and revolutionary public well being and humanities initiatives have been among the many accomplishments Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb cited Tuesday as he delivered his final State of the State address whereas selling a brand new agenda for his final time period.
Addressing a joint session of the General Assembly, Holcomb renewed his dedication to work for the state “until the ultimate conclusion of my assigned duty.” He can’t run for reelection as a result of Indiana regulation restricts governors to 2 consecutive phrases. Holcomb hasn’t introduced what his plans are after he leaves workplace.
His speech got here in the future after Indiana lawmakers returned to the statehouse in Indianapolis for the beginning of the 2024 legislative session.
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The Republican governor prevented instantly talking concerning the coronavirus pandemic, which hit the identical yr as his reelection. His reputation took successful over some COVID-19 restrictions, equivalent to a statewide masks mandate in the early days of the pandemic.
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, heart, and others look to the balcony throughout his State of the State address to a joint session of the General Assembly on the Statehouse on Jan. 9, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Instead, he sought to emphasise Indiana’s financial system and manufacturing trade, together with partnerships with the federal authorities to fund hydrogen, micro-electronics and biotech manufacturing hubs.
He additionally highlighted Health First Indiana, a public well being initiative he pushed for final yr as a part of a significant price range bundle. The governor obtained widespread consideration for this system, which permits counties to decide in for state funding for providers equivalent to continual illness prevention; infectious illness prevention and management; and maternal and youngster well being care.
In his remarks, Holcomb introduced a $250 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. for regional redevelopment and humanities and cultural initiatives all through the state.
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He additionally laid out his agenda for the final yr of his time period, focusing totally on bettering youngster care entry and training outcomes.
The outgoing governor mentioned Monday that he needs to decrease the minimal caregiver age at youngster care amenities to incorporate some youngsters, and increase eligibility free of charge or decreased youngster care for workers in the sector.
On the training entrance, literacy amongst elementary college college students is what the governor and GOP lawmakers are citing as their chief concern. Holcomb needs lawmakers to require that the state’s studying take a look at be administered to second graders, to supply an indicator of their aptitudes and the way they will enhance.
According to the Indiana Department of Education, about 18% of third graders didn’t move Indiana’s studying take a look at final yr. Holcomb additionally needs to make it more durable for college kids who fail the take a look at to maneuver as much as the fourth grade.
“Term-limited though I am, here are my promises to you, for 2024,” Holcomb mentioned throughout his speech.
Following the address, Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray, a Republican, mentioned he appears ahead to working with the governor on his new initiatives, significantly on kids’s literacy. Republican House Speaker Todd Huston informed reporters he helps the governor’s push to carry again extra third graders who don’t move studying proficiency requirements.
Huston additionally referred to as the Lily Endowment grant for redevelopment and cultural initiatives “tremendous news.”
Democratic leaders criticized components of Holcomb’s speech, saying there have been topical gaps in his address.
State Senate minority chief Greg Taylor expressed optimism about Indiana’s financial outlook, however touted the Democrats’ management in pushing to lift the minimal wage. State House minority chief Phil GiaQuinta criticized Holcomb for not addressing a latest calculation error that leaves the state $1 billion in need of its predicted Medicaid wants.
“This unacceptable budgeting error could devastate the one-third of Hoosiers who rely on Medicaid for vital medical care,” GiaQuinta mentioned in a written assertion.
Holcomb didn’t introduce any proposals with fiscal implications as a result of they’re solely dealt with in odd years, when lawmakers maintain an extended, budget-making session. The 2024 session should adjourn by March 14.
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