Articles
Governor Daniels' Weekly Wrap-up: 01/29/08
Weekly Wrap-up
A look at news and events in the Daniels Administration
Volume 2, Issue 66
January 21-27, 2008
Governor delivers state assistance funds to city of Nappanee
Jan. 25, 2008- Governor Mitch Daniels delivered a check for nearly $200,000 to Nappanee Mayor Larry Thompson, the first use of the Indiana Disaster Relief Fund. The $198,423.35 check is for public assistance to help the city recover from damage to public facilities caused by an October 18, 2007 tornado that struck the community.
The governor also has signed an executive order (08-04) that directs the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) to help homeowners and renters who were victims of the storm who otherwise are ineligible for financial assistance. Indiana is one of only a few states to offer such a disaster relief program for citizens.
"We set up this fund especially to help situations like the one in Nappanee, where important needs weren't being met any other way," said Daniels.
This is the first time Indiana has provided assistance from the relief fund to a local government affected by a disaster. A funding source was created by the governor's 2006 measure that assesses a public safety fee on businesses that sell legal fireworks. The proceeds go to a statewide fire training system and state disaster relief. Before today's presentation to Nappanee, the fund total had reached $2.7 million.
Governor discusses property tax relief plan with Hoosiers
Jan. 23, 2008- Governor Daniels took his plan for property tax relief on the road this week with several stops across the state. The governor addressed business leaders at chamber of commerce events in Richmond and Elkhart and answered questions from Brookville residents during a visit to the Goldfinch Restaurant. He also held a roundtable discussion with members of the Southern Indiana Realtors Association and spoke about his proposal at a Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership breakfast event.
"We're not going to have people losing their homes in this state over a system we have the power to fix," said Daniels, speaking to realtors in Jeffersonville .
While Governor Daniels was traveling on Thursday, the Indiana House of Representatives passed legislation based on his property tax reform package. The bill now moves to the Indiana Senate for further discussion.
"A hearty thanks to the House leadership and those who cast this overwhelming vote," Daniels said in response to the 93-1 decision. " Indiana 's biggest tax cut ever is a long step nearer to reality."
Governor requests federal assistance for northern Indiana
Jan. 23, 2008- Governor Daniels took action to request assistance for Hoosiers in northern Indiana affected by severe flooding that began January 7.
In compliance with federal regulations and Indiana Code, Executive Order 08-03 was issued to declare a disaster emergency in northern Indiana . In addition, the governor sent a letter to President George W. Bush to request federal assistance for Hoosiers affected by severe flooding that occurred in Carroll, Cass, Elkhart , Fulton , Jasper, Marshall , Pulaski, Tippecanoe and White counties.
Daniels indicated further damage may be identified and may include additional counties as part of the major disaster determination.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATES
Cummins to add 500 new professionals to its Columbus operations
Jan. 23, 2008- Cummins Inc. announced it will add approximately 500 professional employees in Columbus over the next two years, and has agreed to lease an office building being built as part of the Commons Mall redevelopment project to meet the expected growth.
The four-story, 100,000 square foot building is scheduled to be complete late in the first quarter of 2009. The project also includes a parking garage for Cummins employees to be built on property just southwest of the office building.
"We are pleased to be able to further strengthen our commitment to Columbus and the state of Indiana by bringing new, well-paying jobs to the region," said Cummins President and Chief Operating Officer Joe Loughrey. "As a large and growing employer in the city, we have a significant stake in helping Columbus remain a vibrant community. This project, along with the other initiatives outlined as part of the city's Vision 2020 plan, is a big step in that direction."
In addition to Loughrey , Indiana Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman, Columbus Mayor Fred Armstrong, project developer Tim Dora, representatives of the City of Lawrenceburg Regional Economic Development Fund and members of the staffs of U.S. Representatives Baron Hill and Mike Pence were among those in attendance at the announcement at Columbus City Hall .
"Last year 600 new production jobs, this year 500 new professional jobs. We're proud of Cummins and the growth the company is bringing to south central Indiana ," said Governor Mitch Daniels.
Water technology company to grow its headquarters, development center in Central Indiana
Jan. 23, 2008 - Governor Mitch Daniels joined executives from water treatment technology developer Freije Treatment Systems Inc. to announce the company's plans to expand its corporate headquarters and product development center in Greenfield , creating more than 200 new jobs by 2010.
The developer and marketer of salt-free water conditioning systems for the residential, commercial and industrial markets will invest more than $2 million to locate its new corporate headquarters and product development center in 34,000 square feet of an existing facility in the Mount Comfort Industrial Park .
Governor's schedule for January 30
Wednesday, January 30
- Governor Mitch Daniels will provide an update on the state's economic progress at the opening session of the Indiana Mineral Aggregates Association Winter Workshops.
8 a.m.
Marriott North Hotel (Marion Ballroom)
3645 River Crossing Parkway
Indianapolis
- Governor Daniels and Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard will join executives to announce a company's plans to expand its Indiana operations, creating more than 1,000 new jobs throughout the state.
10:15 a.m.
Governor's Office
Osgood Journal
January 29, 2008
By Wanda English Burnett
"The governor might be staying overnight at our house," a simple statement made from a husband to a wife in southeastern Indiana , could be taken as a joke. That's exactly what Karen Black of Osgood thought when husband Mike made the statement. "I said, 'yeah, right'", she told the Osgood Journal. "He's always joking with me."
It was no joke. Mike, who is a detective with the Indiana State Police, Versailles Post, had been asked to host Governor Mitch Daniels for a night as he made stops in several neighboring counties.
"We knew about a week in advance that he could be coming, but weren't given the exact date until the day before," noted Karen. "Then I got in high gear," she laughed.
From their beautifully decorated spacious home on US 421 in Osgood, the Blacks talked about their "once-in-a-lifetime" experience and said they were honored to host the governor. "We just wanted him relax," Karen noted, saying the conversation didn't have a political flavor, but more casual.
Governor Daniels arrived at the Black home a little after 9:00 p.m. Wednesday night, January 23 and visited with the family. The Blacks have a daughter still at home, Jenna, who attends Ivy Tech. Their other children, Jared, is a state trooper at the Seymour Post, and daughter Stephanie is employed with Riley Hospital , Indianapolis . They came home at the request of their parents, for the occasion. The Blacks enjoyed having their family all together, and Mike said he was pleased with the dialogue between the younger generation and the governor.
The governor explained to the Blacks that he started staying in the homes of Hoosiers as he criss-crossed the state as a cost saving measure. Now, he says he likes it so much it's more than saving money. He told Karen they were about the 90th home he's visited since taking office nearly four years ago.
What sort of things do you discuss with the governor if you're not talking politics? Well, the Blacks learned that the governor enjoys a good game of golf and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. He was interested in the town in which he was lodging for the evening. Economic development was discussed, along with the restoration of the Damm Theatre, which is always a point of interest. Matter of fact, the Blacks invited Steve Gloyd, board member of the Gilmore and Goldie Reynolds Foundation, to their home, where they talked about the local economic development, and how the foundation has benefited the town.
Neighbor and relative of the family, Ann Black, was invited over to meet the governor. Mike said he wished he could have invited more people, and noted, "You do feel like you leave people out, but this needed to be low key."
The governor only stayed the night, and right on schedule, the next day, he was picked up at 8:15 a.m. The security and staff entourage that travels with the governor also stayed in Osgood for the night, at the Victorian Garden Bed and Breakfast.
Saying he admires the governor for his willingness to make difficult decisions that aren't always popular, Mike said he feels Daniels has a "genuine appreciation for public safety." Of course he noted, that's near and dear to him in his line of work.
Karen said the governor was an "easy" houseguest, even making his own bed!
Her initial concerns included one that most women would wonder, do I need to cook? The answer was no, but Karen said she was prepared to do so. As it was, the governor came late, left after just a piece of fruit and some juice, with the Blacks saying, "He made us comfortable."
Mike noted that the arrangements were made through Detective Vance Patton, who is also employed through the Versailles Post for the Indiana State Police. Patton had been assigned to the governor's security detail for about two and a half years. When the governor's staff called Vance for a suggestion, he thought of the Blacks.
How many people can say the governor of their state has spent the night with them? Well, 89 others, according to Karen, who said she asked Daniels how often he has done this. But no one in Osgood has had the honor before.
Governor Mitch Daniels traveled from Osgood last Thursday morning to Versailles , where he made a stop at McDonalds to shake hands and answer a few questions with constituents. He was in between attending a Lincoln Day Dinner in Dearborn County and an appearance at Hanover .
Governor Mitch Daniels visits campus
The Hanover Triangle
January 25, 2008
By Melisa Cole
Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels visited campus on Thursday, Jan. 24. Daniels held an open questions and answers session in the Center for Fine Arts Recital Hall. The first term governor began his discussion by telling short stories of his travels around the state staying with families to save money, as he said, "the Presbyterian way." In his opening statement, Daniels indicated his concern that too many Indiana students leave the state after college. He said that he sees Hanover students as top notch that will be the next CEOs and VPs of major corporations such as Cummins and Eli Lilly.
The first question from a citizen of Hanover was about her worry for the security of democracy. When the woman talked about paper trails, Daniels acknowledged he was not sure about the technology.
"I understood the old technology, but I guess I understand the new technology less well," he said. However, he reassured the woman that the United States democracy was secure.
The Governor touched on the popular property tax issues. He said any additional property tax cuts would not affect the education budget. He explained to those in attendance that money loss from property tax would be made up from a one cent increase in sales tax. He added that he would like to see a property tax ceiling put into place.
Another issue was full-day kindergarten, which he supports but does not want to see as mandatory.
A couple of students questioned the use of ethanol. The Governor said he knows that the use of ethanol does have negative effects, but he sees it as "the best option for a greener America ."
As the hour long discussion came to a close, Daniels took two last questions, including one from Leticia Bajuyo, associate professor of art. The concern was how the state was addressing the problem of art, music and physical education being eliminated from public classrooms and being replaced with all math and reading. Although the Governor indicated all curriculum is important, he regards math and reading of more importance to students. Bajuyo noted that other countries are far beyond the United States because of their level of creativity. Daniels responded with a quote from computer mogul, Bill Gates: "it takes creativity to make the next great computer, but you have to know how it works first."
The last question came from a student who earlier in the event asked the Governor's opinion of SJR-7, a resolution trying to be passed that would define marriage as only between one man and one woman. The governor had answered an earlier similar question by saying he did not see SJR-7 as unnecessary.
"It is already illegal and Senate Joint Resolution 7 ensures that no judge will find a way around the law," Daniels had said earlier.
The student asked another question about SJR-7.
"I consider myself pretty libertarian.marriage constitutes a special union with the purpose to create children," Daniels answered.
This final note ended the discussion and Daniels received a round of applause from the audience. He was thanked by President Sue DeWine and made his way off stage.
Gov. Daniels touts tax plan in Brookville
Connersville News-Examiner
January 24, 2008
By Seth Whitecotton
BROOKVILLE-"While we have a long way to go, Indiana 's economy is the strongest in the Midwest ," Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels said Wednesday during his visit to the Goldfinch Restaurant in Brookville.
He said the reason Indiana was recently named in a news article an "island of growth," is in part because the state has the lowest unemployment rate it's had in six years. Daniels said Indiana is the only state where unemployment has gown down the last year and a half, and one of two states where unemployment has gown down in the last month.
As an example, Daniels cited internal combustion engine manufacturer Cummins Inc. in Columbus , Ind , that yesterday announced 500 new professional job positions.
Daniels said simply bringing more jobs to Indiana is not enough; a variety of jobs have to be brought to the state to employ young people who may not only be interested in industry. He said the jobs have to accommodate the diversity and wide array of talents Hoosiers have.
Daniels noted that new jobs have to pay better, too.
"We have to have jobs that can support a family, and we're working on that," he explained.
Taxes
Daniels said the state budget is balanced without a tax increase; he said every bordering state has a fiscal problem to deal with, whereas Indiana does not.
Watchful spending will maintain Indiana 's growth even as the economy may weaken, he said. Another factor that will benefit Indiana , Daniels said, is the property tax proposal he's come up with.
Under his property tax proposal, a one percent cap of assessed home value would be instituted as the highest yearly property tax on homes. Property tax ceilings would be two percent for rental properties and three percent for businesses. The move would be permanent, making Indiana one of the lowest property tax states in the country, he said.
The plan would make assessment more fair, equal and consistent, he added.
"You have got to have real limits on the growth of local spending: Schools, cities, counties, libraries -- that's what property taxes pay for," Daniels said.
The Governor said passing the property tax decrease would not only address a problem, but give Indiana a competitive advantage.
Daniels said the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Commission recommended a 40 cent per gallon federal gasoline tax be imposed because most states can't fund their own roads and bridges.
He opposes the increase because Indiana doesn't need the money, and "our citizens don't need the tax increase.
"We have funded our road program for the next 10 years ... and we did it without raising taxes or borrowing any money," Daniels explained.
Furthermore, the federal gas tax would only give 92 cents per dollar of what Indiana pays back to the state; the remaining eight cents would fund other states' projects, he said.
Size of government
"We are trying our best to make sure Indiana government is leaner and cleaner than it's ever been," Daniels said.
Local government officials, schools, libraries, etc. are all attempting to do the right thing, he said. The problem with the system is that it's designed to overspend, Daniels explained.
Daniels said local government is the only system he knows of that matches spending to revenue. In any business or family budget, the idea is to make sure the amount of spending does not exceed the amount of expected income, he said.
The 2,600 taxing units in Indiana simply determine what the state needs, Daniels said, and then "divide the bill up among the property tax payers who happen to live there."
That might work he said, but there is no one to add up the total cost, which results in overspending. The solution is to run the state more like a business that manages its budgets centrally.
Daniels proposes an elected official be created who manages spending, with the input of a board represents schools, libraries and other tax-spending entities.
"The question in Indiana local government can no longer be 'How much does government think it needs?' The question needs to be 'How much can the taxpayer reasonably be expected to pay?'" Daniels said.
Daniels said there are currently 1,100 people assessing property in Indiana , and many of them aren't qualified for the job. He said one step in the right direction could be eliminating many of the assessors, again, managing assessments more centrally.
First step to better government
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette
January 23, 2008
If "We've got to stop governing like this," as the subtitle of the report from a heavyweight government reform commission demands, the Indiana General Assembly can take a key - if relatively minor - first step in coming weeks by changing who assesses property for tax purposes.
With a property tax overhaul clearly the major focus of the legislature's "short" 60-day session, legislative leaders have dismissed the possibility of addressing the commission's 27 recommendations this year. Delaying action until next year has pluses and minuses: Lawmakers will have more time to study the ramifications and possible unintended consequences of such dramatic changes. But opponents of the recommendations - and there are many - will have another year to fortify their efforts to block change.
The most significant of the commission's recommendations would change a number of elected county offices to appointed positions, requiring amending the constitution. Because of the lengthy process involved, this year's delay will move a statewide referendum on any amendments from 2010 to 2012, at the earliest.
Practically speaking, however, the delay is inevitable. Property taxes will consume much of this legislature's time. The proposed changes in local government will create much debate and deserve substantial hearings. Trying to do both in the same year would result in lawmakers playing the property tax and local government reform legislation off each other, seeking horse-trading instead of considering each on its own merits.
If the complete report is off the table, though, legislators still can enact one of its recommendations: Eliminate township assessors and handle all property assessment within a single county assessor's office. The basic idea is included in Gov. Mitch Daniels' proposed property tax overhaul plan.
Consider that this proposal emerged separately from the governor and the commission, comprising knowledgeable heavy hitters, starting with co-chairmen Joe Kernan, the former governor, and Randall Shepard, the Indiana chief justice. Businessman Ian Rolland and government expert John Stafford of Fort Wayne were also on the seven-member commission.
Inconsistent property assessments from township to township, and from residential to commercial property, resulted in some homeowners in some parts of the state paying more than their fair share of taxes in 2007. Fortunately, there is no indication that happened in Allen County .
House Bill 1001, the legislation carrying the governor's property tax proposal, calls for a single county assessor appointed by the county council. Appointing rather than electing the county assessor would likely result in a consistently more professional office around the state. In Allen County , the current assessor, Stacey O'Day, is highly qualified and should be the prime candidate for the appointed office. But some of her predecessors clearly would not have been.
Eliminating the township assessment duty would be one more reason for lawmakers to take the next logical step in 2009 and implement another of the commission's recommendations: Eliminate the inefficient and unwieldy township government altogether, along with the 4,000-plus elected trustees and advisory board members.
Lawmakers won't tackle the central recommendation of the commission this year: replacing the county commissioners with a single county executive who would appoint many officials who are now elected. But the legislature can take a step forward, increasing local government efficiency and the fairness of property assessments by consolidating the assessment duties into one office in each county.
