Indiana continues to be a place where hard work pays off and families can build a future. From a strong business climate to growing career opportunities, our state is making progress in ways that benefit Hoosiers across all its communities. As a state representative, I believe we must continue building on these strengths while making affordability a priority for families.
Our state's economy continues to show encouraging signs. Indiana added nearly 39,000 residents in 2025, leading the Midwest in population growth, and our gross domestic product has grown faster than neighboring states and the national average. Forbes also ranked Indiana second in the nation among the best states to start a business in 2024. These accomplishments reflect the opportunities available to employers, entrepreneurs and families who choose to call Indiana home.
A strong economy also means making sure Hoosiers can find good jobs and develop the skills needed to succeed. Indiana's unemployment rate was 3.3% in August 2026, below the national rate of 4.1%. Our state also led the nation in registered apprenticeship participation during federal fiscal year 2026, with more than 27,000 apprentices gaining valuable experience through these programs. By connecting workers with training and career pathways, we can help more Hoosiers find rewarding work and contribute to our state's continued growth. These opportunities are especially important in east-central Indiana, where manufacturing, agriculture and small businesses play an important role in local economies.
Opportunity also means building communities where people want to live, work and raise their families. Indiana offers a range of communities, from growing urban centers and suburbs to rural areas with strong ties to agriculture, manufacturing and other industries. Indiana communities consistently rank among the nation's best places to live, including top cities for first-time homebuyers and strongest housing markets, creating opportunities for Hoosiers to build businesses, raise families and invest in the next generation.
Education is another important part of expanding opportunity. Indiana's public universities, including Purdue University and Indiana University, continue to earn national recognition, while our K-12 schools are preparing students for the next steps in their education and careers. The state's current two-year tuition freeze also helps students and families with college costs. These efforts, along with strong academic outcomes at schools across Indiana, demonstrate the importance of making quality education accessible to more Hoosiers. Additionally, 10 Indiana high schools are listed among the top 500 schools in the country.
As a former educator in Henry County, I understand how important strong schools are to preparing students for the future. Schools throughout our district help students develop the knowledge and skills they need to pursue higher education, enter the workforce and contribute to their communities. Continuing to support students, educators and career-focused learning is essential to ensuring the next generation has the opportunity to succeed.
While these accomplishments are worth celebrating, we know there is still work to do. Affordability remains among my top priorities as we prepare for the 2027 legislative session. Families should be able to afford everyday necessities, workers should have access to good-paying jobs and small businesses should have the opportunity to grow without unnecessary barriers. I will continue supporting policies that help lower costs, strengthen our workforce and expand opportunities for the next generation.
Indiana's future depends on making sure our economic growth translates into meaningful benefits for Hoosiers in every community. By building on our state's strengths and keeping families in mind as we make policy decisions, we can continue moving Indiana forward. If you have questions, need assistance or would like to share your thoughts, you can contact my office at 317-232-9850 or visit in.gov/h54.
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State Rep. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown) represents House District 54,
which includes portions of Hancock, Henry, Rush and Shelby counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
