Articles
Governor Daniels' Weekly Update: 7/30/08
Weekly Wrap-up
A look at news and events in the Daniels Administration
Volume 2, Issue 91
July 21-27, 2008
Mitch's Kids participation nears 10,000 mark
July 23, 2008 - The number of Hoosier children who have received homework assistance, tutoring and career exploration through Mitch's Kids, Governor Mitch Daniels' statewide initiative in Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Indiana, is nearing 10,000, and their reading and math skills are improving.
Many of the participants, who are 5 to 14 years old, have improved their reading and math fluency scores by at least two grade levels, according to pre- and post-testing by the Indiana Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs. Of the 9,610 children who have enrolled in Mitch's Kids since it started in January 2006 and who participated in the reading and math homework sessions, the average increase in reading scores was 47 percent and the average increase in math scores was 48 percent.
"I couldn't be more proud of what these kids are accomplishing and how the Boys & Girls Clubs are making a difference in their lives. This is the most effective effort anywhere to address the achievement gap and give low-income kids a chance to realize their potential," said Daniels, who visited the Boys & Girls Club of Valparaiso today.
The Valparaiso Club had some of the highest average increases in reading and math scores in 2007-08. Children in the club improved reading scores by 102 percent and their math scores by 103 percent. Other Porter County Clubs, including Northview, South Haven and Portage Forrest Dusty Rhode, also are among those showing great improvement in both areas.
The governor has committed $1 million in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds each year since the start of the program. Mitch's Kids works in conjunction with the Boys & Girls Club after-school POWER Hour program at 65 clubs throughout the state. Participants receive homework and tutoring sessions for a specified number of weeks and are tested to determine reading and math progress. In addition, nearly 4,000 of the total enrolled children have also participated in career exploration activities.
The governor established Mitch's Kids to help close the achievement gap. Ninety-five percent of participants receive free or reduced price lunch. The Family and Social Services Administration works with Boys & Girls Clubs to identify and enroll children from low-income households. Overall goals are to increase the quality and quantity of homework completed and improve student behavior and attitudes about school and learning. The program's goal for reading and math tests is to increase scores by at least 10 percent for first and second graders and by at least 15 percent for third through eighth graders.
Governor presents state trails grants in northwest Indiana
July 23, 2008- Governor Mitch Daniels formally presented state trails grants last week for the North Judson - Monterey Trail, the C&O Trail and the Pennsy Greenway in northwest Indiana. The grants, which were announced earlier this year, are part of the Hoosiers on the Move statewide trails plan.
In May, the governor announced a one-time distribution of $19 million in new investment directed to 28 projects resulting in 104 miles of new trails. The $19 million is in addition to the $20 million invested in trails funding by the state annually as a part of the Hoosiers on the Move initiative.
The Hoosier Valley Railroad Trail Committee accepted a $450,000 grant to begin work on approximately three miles of trail in Starke and Pulaski counties. When complete, the 16-mile trail will connect North Judson to Monterey and will utilize a former INDOT wayside area as its trailhead.
The Pennsy Greenway received a $900,000 grant to develop 1.5 miles of trail on an abandoned Penn Central Railroad line in Munster. The C&O Trail received an $800,000 grant to develop 1.7 miles of trail in downtown Merrillville.
Currently the state system includes about 400 miles of multi-use trails. The 10-year plan calls for every Hoosier to be within 15 minutes of a trail.
Daniels makes stops in northern Indiana
July 23, 2008-Governor Daniels made eight stops across the northern part of the state on Wednesday.
In addition to visiting Mitch's Kids participants in Valparaiso and presenting state trails grants in Munster and North Judson, the governor made several stops in Fulton and Wabash Counties.
He stopped at Sloane's Fine Food and Spirits in Akron before enjoying breakfast in Rensselaer at Clauss' Bakery and Cafe, owned by Rex and Tammy Clauss. They invited him by sending him a pie, and found the bakery and café to be the perfect place for a cup of coffee and a donut before heading to North Judson.
Later in the day, he traveled to Urbana where he visited Dr. Jeff Biehl's veterinary clinic and enjoyed some friendly conversation at Pam's Café. The governor finished the afternoon with a stop at McKillip Seeds in Wabash. Governor Daniels ended his day in Rochester, where he gave the keynote address at the Fulton County Lincoln Day Dinner.
Governor visits eastern part of state to celebrate 100 years of the Model T
July 24, 2008- The governor joined Farmland residents and local government officials to celebrate the completed reconstruction of the State Road 32 roadbed and the repositioning of State Road 1. The $10 million initiative also included a drainage project.
Later in the afternoon, Governor Daniels joined Model T owners and Richmond residents in a parade commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Model T Ford. The parade was part of a week-long celebration hosted by the Model T Ford Club of America and featured more than 750 cars.
Global orthopaedic developer to expand Warsaw operations
July 21, 2008- Zimmer Holdings, Inc. (NYSE and SWX: ZMH), a designer, manufacturer and global distributor of orthopaedic devices, announced last week it will expand its north central Indiana operations in Warsaw, creating nearly 100 new jobs by 2011.
The maker of joint replacements, spinal systems and other implants plans to invest more than $19 million to add approximately 50,000 square feet to its foundry operations, boosting automation of the facility and increasing annual output by approximately 1.3 million castings a year.
"Companies like Zimmer can locate new job-creating investment anywhere. For the fourth time in four years, Indiana has won the global competition for new investment from Zimmer, and Hoosiers will benefit from the new jobs the company will create for years to come," said Governor Mitch Daniels.
Headquartered in the Indiana city of 13,000, Zimmer will begin hiring engineers, supervisors and machine operators in 2009 to staff the expanded metal-making facility. The company currently employs approximately 2,800 at its Warsaw operations.
Finish Line to Expand Its Indianapolis Operations
July 30, 2008- Mall-based retailer Finish Line, Inc., (NASDAQ: FINL), has announced its plans to expand its operations in Indianapolis, including adding more than 180 new jobs over the next five years.
The Indianapolis-headquartered company, which operates nearly 700 Finish Line and 100 Man Alive stores across the country, plans to invest more than $34 million which includes the expansion of its approximate 800,000 square-foot national distribution center and corporate headquarters located on Indianapolis' east side.
"The Finish Line joins a growing list of companies like Telamon, Author Solutions and White Lodging that have decided to grow their headquarters in Indiana. Headquarters locations, with the high-paying jobs and community commitment they bring, are the best news an economy can get," said Governor Mitch Daniels.
The company, which employs more than 670 associates at its Indianapolis headquarters and distribution center and approximately 13,000 associates across the country, will hire corporate headquarters and distribution associates as the company expands its facilities over the five-year period.
First Lady Cheri Daniels to host fourth annual Heartland Walk for Health
July 30, 2008- First Lady Cheri Daniels will host her fourth annual Heartland Walk for Health on Saturday, August 9, 2008, at the Indiana State Fair. The Heartland Walk for Health strives to raise awareness that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women and to promote heart-healthy lifestyles for all Hoosiers.
"I encourage you and your family to join me for a two-mile stroll around the Fairgrounds to learn tips on how to live a heart-healthy life," said Daniels. "By walking together, we can work to educate our fellow citizens on the devastating effects that heart disease has on Indiana families."
Jim Denny and Friends, hosts of the WFMS Morning Show, will emcee the event. Activities including warm-up exercises, music, entertainment and free health screenings by Clarian Cardiovascular will begin beside the Hoosier Lottery Grandstand at 8 a.m. Mrs. Daniels will lead the walk around the Track of Champions around 9 a.m.
All participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt, pedometer, State Fair ribbon, "goodie bag" and light breakfast. Attendees will also be eligible to win a variety of door prizes, such as gift certificates to local businesses and restaurants, a one-night stay at French Lick Resort Casino and signed items from Indiana athletic teams.
To register online, please visit http://hearttoheart.in.gov/ or call Ken Long & Associates at 317/884.4001. Walk registration includes entry to the Indiana State Fair. Walk-up registrations will also be accepted on the day of the event.
The Heartland Walk for Health is presented by Clarian Cardiovascular through a partnership of the Office of the First Lady, the Indiana State Department of Health Office of Women's Health and the Indiana State Fair.
IN THE NEWS
'Give state leaders credit for all-time high rating'
Our position: State rewarded for taking reasonable chances to bring budget under control.
The Indianapolis Star
July 24, 2008
Editorial
State legislators and then-Gov. Joe Kernan had churned through nearly every budget gimmick at their disposal by the fall of 2004.
Payments to public schools, universities and local governments -- $715 million worth -- had been delayed indefinitely. A one-time dose of $250 million in federal aid, thrown into the budget gap, already had been expended. The state also had dipped into Teachers Retirement Fund reserves, pulling out $380 million to meet current obligations.
Yet, despite running through maneuvers that bordered on desperation, the state still faced a budget shortfall of more than $800 million. Analysts also were pessimistic about the state's ability to grow its way out of the budget mess because of an old-school economy, dependent on a traditional manufacturing sector long in decline.
The fiscal climate of four years ago needs to be kept in mind when assessing the significance of Standard & Poor's decision this week to award a first-ever AAA bond rating to Indiana.
Yes, the savings to taxpayers that will come with the higher rating -- including $850,000 a year on Lucas Oil Stadium and the convention center expansion -- are worth celebrating.
But perhaps even more important is the fact that a respected independent firm has validated several difficult, controversial decisions that Gov. Mitch Daniels and the General Assembly made to bring Indiana's budget back into balance.
One of those decisions involved capping annual growth in the Medicaid budget at 5 percent (both projections and past experience called for 10 percent growth). Critics said it couldn't be done, at least not without inflicting undue pain on Indiana's poorest and sickest residents. The cap, however, worked, bringing under control a line item that would have otherwise wrecked the budget. In the interim, the state created a promising health insurance program for low-income Hoosiers that is funded through a cigarette tax increase.
The lease of the Indiana Toll Road continues to draw fire, but the $3.8 billion in capital leveraged through the deal has enabled the state to make much-needed improvements in infrastructure while handing off management of an underperforming asset.
In announcing Indiana's higher bond rating, Standard & Poor's noted that the state's economy now is more diversified than in past years. That's not by accident. The state, starting in the O'Bannon administration, began pushing growth in the life sciences, logistics, advanced manufacturing and high-tech sectors.
Bottom line? Indiana's leaders took reasonable chances, making hard and sometimes unpopular choices. Now, all Hoosiers are set to reap the rewards.
Richmond Palladium-Item
July 25, 2008
By Brian Zimmerman
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels wasn't well versed on Model Ts until he stopped by the vintage automobile's centennial birthday party Thursday at the Wayne County Fairgrounds.
"I don't know much about antique cars," he told reporters. "I love to go to the Labor Day auction quite often, you know, up ... at Auburn and just sort of admire old equipment -- and that's why it's just fun to see these, the original great American automobile -- the Model T -- here in such numbers."
Daniels got a crash course in driving a T, generally considered the first affordable automobile, before participating in a parade -- 375 Ts long -- through Richmond. The event was the marquee event on Thursday's schedule at the Model T Ford Centennial T Party.
"I'll tell you what, it's a little different for me," Daniels said. "I've done lots and lots of parades. But I always walk if I can, ride the motorcycle if I can, because I just don't ordinarily sit in a car and wave.
"But this is an exception 'cause the car I get to sit in is such an important piece of Americana," he said. "So I will happily ride along."
And he did.
While at the fairgrounds, he lauded the event's organizers, Jay and Barbara Klehfoth, who helped bring the event to Wayne County after relocating from Dallas eight years ago. Jay Klehfoth, CEO of the Model T Ford Club of America, convinced the organization's board of directors this would be the perfect place.
Daniels agreed.
"Well, it's a natural. We are and we intend to be an automotive capital," he said, referring to the state's history as a major manufacturer of automobiles and the future site of a Honda assembly plant in Greensburg. Indianapolis is also the site of the Indianapolis 500, one of professional racing's major events.
"I like the fact that it's a homegrown idea. ... We love self-starters in Indiana."
Barbara Klehfoth said Daniel's appearance was one in a long line of exciting events for the centennial.
"The event has exceeded expectations," she said.
Rep. Tom Saunders, R-Lewisville, who also participated in the parade, joined Daniels at the fairgrounds.
"My father was employed by Ford Motor Co." as a mechanic, he said. "We had food on the table because of Ford. So Ford has always had a special place in my heart.
"It will be my first Model T parade," he said. "I have like 30 parades in my district a year, so I do a lot of parades. But this is one of the things you get to do. The people in the parade, they can't vote for me, so I'm just here to have a good time."
'Governor, residents celebrate opening of highway'
The Muncie Star Press
July 25, 2008
By Joy Leiker
The Farmland road improvement project finished not quite $2 million over budget, and for nearly a year cut off all direct traffic to downtown merchants.
Sounds like a reason to celebrate. With the governor.
On Thursday, Gov. Mitch Daniels joined the Indiana Department of Transportation, town officials, Milestone Contractors and more than 100 local residents to cut a ribbon and officially mark the end of the Ind. 1 and Ind. 32 improvements that began in October 2006.
After Daniels and others all had their turn at the lectern, set up on a hay wagon on Henry Street, sheriff's deputies stopped traffic on the two-lane road at the corner of Henry and Main streets. A red, white and blue ribbon was stretched across the roads and Daniels, the town council and other dignitaries all clipped it on the count of three -- in a spot that was never part of the almost $10 million project. (A few blocks in the center of downtown were improved years earlier.)
Still, Thursday's event was a significant one. Virgil Toney, 83, thinks Daniels is the first governor to visit Farmland officially since he was 10 and the town's now long-gone airport was dedicated.
"You can't let Main Street crumble," the governor said in his remarks.
The project included the rebuilding of the road, sewer and storm water improvements, sidewalks, curbs, lighting and landscaping. The road, which carries more than 5,000 motorists a day, closed in October 2006 and reopened in November 2007. It dealt a blow to local businesses, who ultimately launched a "Find it in Farmland" marketing campaign as a way to encourage shoppers to navigate the orange cones and closed-road signs.
INDOT even painted large, orange arrows on the pavement as a way to help direct traffic into town.
Businessman Larry Francer, who served as emcee of the day's short ceremony, laughed and said of the contractors, "It's a thrill to say good-bye to them."
John Waechter, vice president of operations for Milestone, said the willingness of town officials and business owners in particular to work with his crews is unusual.
And Thursday, Milestone rewarded the town with a lunch. Volunteers served pork chops, scalloped potatoes, green beans and pie, and tables and chairs were set up on Henry Street. There was live music, including the bass-playing INDOT spokesman, and Daniels spent about 90 minutes talking and eating with residents before he left for a visit to Richmond. Town Clerk-treasurer Bernice Herndon said they served 150 people.
"This isn't a celebration. It's a campaign," said Toney, a Democrat who joked that since he wasn't from the governor's political party, he watched the action from the shaded steps of a nearby building.
From the moment Daniels emerged from a black sports utility vehicle, a microphone was clipped to his burgundy shirt and a video camera followed his every move. The Republican governor is running for re-election in November.
There were protesters, but they were quiet. One man carried a sign opposing the governor's expansion of the pork industry, and another displayed a truck and message against the governor's lease of the Indiana Toll Road.
The Issue: Indiana scores highest credit rating. Our View: Success is difficult to debate.
The Evansville Courier and Press
July 25, 2008
Editorial
Four years ago, the result of moving state funds around without really controlling deficit spending found Indiana in a financial mess. We described it at the time as a perfect storm bearing down on Hoosier property tax payers.
That proved true for property owners in some parts of Indiana last year when extremely high tax bills led to an uprising of sorts, and eventually a major property tax relief package.
Some critics of the state would suggest that Indiana is still redistributing money - the sales tax was increased to fund property tax relief - but the truth is that Indiana's financial standing has been strengthened by a number of steps carried out by Gov. Mitch Daniels' administration and agreed to by a majority in the Legislature.
The proof is in a report Tuesday by Courier & Press staff writer Bryan Corbin that Indiana state government's credit rating has been upgraded to a top score of AAA by Standard & Poor's. It is a first in state history.
State Treasurer Richard Mourdock of Evansville said the AAA credit rating means state and local governments are eligible for lower interest rates if they apply for loans.
That's nice, but in addition it tells others, including those who might invest in the state, that Indiana is a solid place to do business.
Indiana has come a long way from the period between 1997 and 2005 when S&P downgraded the state's credit rating three times.
When Daniels came into office, state government was facing a $600 million deficit that was showing no sign of dissolving on its own.
Almost immediately, Daniels started pushing hard for caps on spending, especially for local government and state assistance to local government. It was not well-received by local government, particularly school systems that received smaller than expected state payments.
But Indiana ended the next fiscal year with a balanced budget, and has since repaid most of the back payments owed by the state to schools. Just last week, the state reported that it ended the last fiscal year with a $321 million surplus.
Mourdock told Corbin that S&P took into consideration Indiana's unemployment, job creation and new capital investment. Corbin reported that the property tax restructuring plan also helped boost the rating.
No doubt Daniels' Major Moves program helped, too. The state leased the Indiana Toll Road to a private concern for $3.8 billion, which is now being used to modernize the state's highway system.
It is a state election year in Indiana, so we are going to hear criticism of the administration and legislators - some of it deserved - but under the heading of the state financial standing, it will be difficult to argue with their success.
'Putnam County BMV top ranked'
Greencastle Banner-Graphic
July 25, 2008
By Maribeth Ward
Thousands of Bureau of Motor Vehicle customers have rated their experience at BMV branches as either excellent, above average or satisfactory. The Putnam County BMV ranks in the top 97 percent for customer service.
While the Bureau has been maligned in the past for its many problems, the Putnam County Bureau has maintained a high standard of service to its customers.
Most people who spend time in the local BMV have excellent things to say about the service and staff who work there.
"Every time I have ever been in there the staff is always smiling and helpful. It makes what I thought would be a painful experience really pleasant," said Andy Rollins who recently renewed his driver's license.
Across the state, the average wait times declined in 2006 to less than nine minutes now and state officials are saying the agency has turned a corner.
This is partly due to new options for motorists, including appointments available at many branches, enhanced online services and 176 non-branch locations where at least some services are offered.
Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels called it the "turnaround of a century," during a recent town hall style meeting with about 300 BMV employees.
It was during this meeting that Daniels also announced the BMV won the 2008 Customer Service Excellence Award from the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators. The award is presented to the state agency with the most improved quality, convenience and accessibility of motor vehicle services.
Prior to 2005 the BMV had a reputation for low morale, long waits and scandal. Efforts to improve the agency drew criticism particularly when 20 license branches were closed.
Credit for the turnaround goes to Joel Silverman who was appointed by Daniels to take over the broken agency in 2005.
Top officials were replaced, a dress code was implemented and training for staff was intensified along with the closure of the 20 branches.
A year later the conversion to a new computer system caused more headaches as long lines developed, police were unable to access accurate driver records and county taxes were not distributed on time.
The public outcry was loud enough that Silverman later resigned but before he did--he began surveying the agency's customers.
When Silverman took over the agency morale was low, computer systems out of date, old record-keeping methods were still in use and the department was still reeling from a scam that included bogus visas and passports being used to acquire Indiana licenses.
Silverman put together a questionnaire that asked those coming into branches to rate staff friendliness, their ability to provide service and to rate their visit overall.
By 2006 the overall service was satisfactory or above at 84 percent. In 2007 it rose to 97 percent, dropped significantly during a time of computer problems and eventually rose back to its current 97 percent rating.
Part of the satisfaction, says current BMV Commissioner Ron Stiver, is the department's Web site. Customers can check current wait times at branches and receive a discount for renewing registrations online. They can set up accounts to conduct numerous transactions without ever entering the branch.
Putnam County residents speak in glowing terms of their branch located in Greencastle.
"The people here are always so nice and helpful. I don't mind coming in here at all anymore," said local resident Lucy Givens.
"I lived in Indianapolis for years before coming to this area. I hated going to the license branch. People were short and rude. But, I've never had anything but a good experience here," she added.
