Articles
Governor Daniels' Weekly Wrap-up: 2/26/08
A look at news and events in the Daniels Administration
Volume 2, Issue 70
February 18-24, 2008
Governor pushes property tax reform
Feb. 21, 2008- Governor Daniels delivered the keynote address at the Tippecanoe County Lincoln Day Dinner held Thursday night. More than 300 people came to the
Daniels explained his plan provides both immediate and permanent property tax relief. Under the plan, property tax bills would be capped with a one percent circuit breaker on homes, a two percent cap on rental property and three percent on businesses. Permanent relief would be achieved by writing those caps into the constitution.
In addition, Daniels' plan requires significant local capital spending projects to achieve voter approval in a referendum.
The governor also touched on recent successes, noting that the state has become "leaner and cleaner" by reducing spending and improving efficiency.
International technology company to locate new software center in West Lafayette
Feb. 21, 2008- Governor Mitch Daniels and officials from Purdue University joined executives from global technology giant EDS (NYSE:EDS) to announce the company's plans to locate its national software solution center in West Lafayette, creating more than 200 software engineer and business analyst positions by 2010.
"It's another win for the
EDS, which currently employs more than 1,000 professionals in
National lodging owner, developer to expand its corporate HQ in Northwest Indiana
Feb. 21, 2008- Governor Mitch Daniels joined executives from lodging owner and developer White Lodging Services to announce the company's plans to expand its national headquarters in
The company, which develops, owns and manages premium-brand hotels in 14 states, plans to invest more than $4 million to renovate two existing buildings, creating a more than 60,000 square-foot corporate headquarters at
"White Lodging Services is a home-grown, high-growth company that continues to create good jobs for Hoosiers and invest heavily in our state.
"We have grown from 52 hotels to 124 hotels during the past 10 years expanding our employment from 2,100 associates to more than 6,000 today," said Bruce White, chairman and chief executive officer of White Lodging Services. "The need to expand our home office resources to support our growth objectives is critical, and we couldn't be happier to be able to do that remaining here in
White Lodging currently employs 116 at its existing leased headquarters complex in
Governor signs compact to extend
Feb. 20, 2008- Governor Mitch Daniels signed the Great Lakes compact on Wednesday, making
The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact was developed over five years with representatives of business, industry, agriculture, environmental and other interests, as well as state officials. Governors of eight states -
"Today, we celebrate an achievement that groups who don't always see eye-to-eye came together to support. With this action, we're renewing our commitment to put in place new protections for one of our greatest resources," said Daniels.
The compact ensures that authority over Great Lakes water uses stays in the region; that economic development will be fostered through sustainable use and responsible management of the waters; that states will development regional goals and objectives for water conservation and efficiency and collect and share technical data to improve decision-making; and continues a strong commitment to public involvement in implementation of the compact.
Listen to audio from the Great Lakes Compact bill signing
Biotechnology developer grows its
Feb. 20, 2008- Kylin Therapeutics, West Lafayette-based developer of cancer and disease fighting biotechnology, announced it has doubled its workforce and outside investment in its operations with the help of
The state awarded the biotech company a $250,000 grant to further develop and commercialize
"The 21st Century Fund provides critical seed capital to emerging high-growth companies such as Kylin Therapeutics that are necessary to ensure our state's economic growth," said Governor Daniels.
Kylin Therapeutics is one of 165 high-tech companies operating in the
Governor announces 100th auto dealership in BMV partnership
Feb. 21, 2008- Governor Mitch Daniels celebrated a significant Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) milestone by announcing that the state now has 100 auto dealerships offering BMV services on-site.
"Like many steps in our overhaul of the BMV, registering at the dealership is another way to save a citizen a trip to a license branch. The shortest line is the one you never have to stand in at all," said Governor Daniels, who visited Napleton Auto Werks of Schererville to make the announcement.
BMV Commissioner Ron Stiver said that more than 20,000 transactions have been completed at dealerships since the program was launched as a pilot in May 2007. The partnership is part of the BMV "customer choices" initiative to offer BMV services at non-branch locations.
Commissioner Stiver explained, "Not only does the program provide convenience for customers purchasing a vehicle at participating dealerships, but it also improves in-branch service by helping decrease customer visit times." Stiver went on to note that average statewide customer visit times in January 2008 were 8 minutes and 10 seconds, with customer satisfaction ratings of 98 percent.
Senator Jim Merritt, who authored the 1991 legislation granting the BMV flexibility to partner with dealerships, added, "I commend Governor Daniels and Commissioner Stiver for providing Hoosiers more convenient options to conduct their business with the BMV."
Click here for a list of participating dealerships.
IN THE NEWS
Business sector warming up to governor's tax plan
WISH-TV
February 19, 2008
The governor spoke to more than 600 business professionals in Hamilton County at the annual Outlook 2008 and it appears business owners are warming up to the governor's tax plan.
While the Senate committee approved the governor's tax plan, Mitch Daniels continued to pitch his reform ideas to business owners in
"When I unveiled this program, some of the first, loudest criticism came from business groups particularly representatives of our larger businesses."
He says businesses will profit from the plan even though it is centered on homeowner help.
The governor is proposing a three percent tax cap on property taxes for business owners compared to one percent caps for homeowners.
After dissecting the plan, Daniels says business owners are starting to jump on board.
"The caps provide certainty and an insurance policy that's not there in virtually any other state and that has real benefits for jobs and growth too."
Mark Kosiarek, owner of VAI Technologies, operates a computer chip distribution firm in Fishers. He believes the governor's plan will help his business and isn't surprised it passed in the Senate committee.
"I have a lot of faith in the governor's overall direction for the state. I think that there's probably a lot of momentum for that."
White Lodging boosts investment in M'ville
The Times of
February 22, 2008
By: Marisa Kwiatkowski
Town Councilman Shawn Pettit points to this week's shutdown of Lone Star Steakhouse as the perfect example of the town's need for White Lodging Services' type of investment.
White Lodging Services, which develops, owns and manages hotels in 14 states, announced Thursday it will invest more than $4 million in
"It's the types of jobs they're bringing in as opposed to the service industry," Pettit said, adding the town needs to diversify beyond the up-and-down restaurant industry.
Bruce White, chairman and chief executive officer of White Lodging Services, said the company plans to renovate two existing buildings at
He joined Gov. Mitch Daniels and state and local officials Thursday to announce the move.
"Today marks another huge commitment to our state and this corner of the state," Daniels said. "I'd like to say thank you for the business."
The company was lured to continue its presence in the region by
White said he wanted the company to have "a place to call home."
It currently rents offices in the
Daniels said White Lodging Service's investment will help the state and region reduce their reliance on the fluctuating manufacturing industry.
"I view it as a premium opportunity because of the deeper roots they tend to put down," he said.
Daniels said White Lodging Service's announcement marks his 57th trip to
"It's a permanent home for a company that has been a very big company in
The company was founded in 1985 to manage what is now the Radisson Hotel at
Gary Post-Tribune
February 22, 2008
By: Diane Krieger Spivak
SCHERERVILLE -- Gov. Mitch Daniels marked a milestone Thursday in his overhaul of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Daniels announced Napleton Auto Werks of Indiana as the 100th auto dealership offering onsite BMV services as part of the bureau's "customer choices" initiative at non-branch locations.
The restructuring, which began with the closing of 40 of the state's 170 license branches, includes reopening of a new full-service
BMV Commissioner Ron Stiver, who was on hand for the announcement at Napleton, said that customer service will improve at the Hammond branch at 2400 Interstate Plaza Drive with relocation to a new 5,000-square-foot facility in the same business complex, increasing customer service terminals from 11 to 16.
Both branches will have increased parking and a public restroom, Stiver said.
The onsite BMV services partnership enables car buyers to get their title and registration at the dealership at the time they purchase their cars, instead of making a separate trip to a license branch, Daniels said.
Stiver said plans are in the works to add another 20 car dealerships this year. He added they are also working on including motorcycle, RV and boat dealerships in the program.
The dealership partnership, along with other changes in the BMV, have resulted in drastic reductions in wait time at license branches, Daniels said.
The state average is 8 minutes, 10 seconds.
Contact Diane Krieger Spivak at 648-3076 or dspivak@post-trib.com
Economic good already evident from telecom bill
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette
February 19, 2008
By John E. Koppin
As Gov. Mitch Daniels highlighted in his State of the State address,
Since 2006, the telecom industry has invested nearly $500 million to bring next-generation Internet and video services to Hoosiers. Of this total investment, an estimated $112 million has been spent by smaller firms in more rural locations.
One investor, AdamsWells Internet Telecom TV, has spent more than $1.2 million to bring broadband services to its customers in Craigville and Bluffton. Other small firms, including Ligonier Telephone Co. and the Citizens Telephone Co. in
Verizon spent well over $100 million to enhance broadband offerings and provide a fiber-optic cable TV alternative (FiOS) to customers in
These large investments also mean new jobs for
Telecom companies statewide have delivered on their promise to connect more communities to high-speed Internet services. To date, 102
But it isn't just consumers who have benefited from this bill - the impact is also felt on our economy. By offering better technology,
Telecom reform has put
Lt. governor puts out call for Hoosier 'Rising Stars'
February 23, 2008
Up to five young Hoosiers will be recognized as "Rising Stars." Any student enrolled in grade school (K-12) during the 2007-08 school year is eligible.
"There are many young Hoosiers who have rolled up their sleeves for their communities, and they deserve recognition," Skillman said in a press release." This award allows the state to recognize
A completed nomination form is required to be considered a "Rising Star." Nominations may be supplemented by the student's resume or biography, up to three letters of recommendation, and any relevant clippings from newspapers.
All application materials must be submitted together and be postmarked by April 1.
Winners will be announced in the summer.
For more information, call Noelle Stock at (317) 232-4545 or visit www.in.gov/lg/2864.htm
