Recently, Gov. Eric Holcomb gave his first State of the State address to a joint session of the Indiana General Assembly. His message was well delivered and contained points of his legislative agenda. He first mentioned the need for an honestly balanced budget for the next biennium. Gov. Holcomb noted how important it is to have a strong financial position to maintain Indiana’s AAA credit rating. We should not take for granted that having the highest possible bond rating with all three credit rating agencies benefits all local government as they finance operations and projects.
Second, the governor focused on the need for a long-term highway maintenance and construction program. If we don’t find a sustainable plan now, the General Assembly will have to continue addressing this issue for years to come. Coming back year after year, kicks the can down the road and sends the signal Indiana is not ready to make a serious commitment to its roads and bridges. I hope we can work with the administration for a viable solution.
Gov. Holcomb also stressed education as a priority, concentrating on the need for vocational education as we improve our workforce and the need for pre-K for at-risk children.
He addressed Indiana’s drug epidemic, suggesting ways of making our communities safer, healthier and more productive. Programs to assist with the problems of opioid and heroin use are paramount if we are to overcome drug abuse. All in all, our new governor did an exemplary job of communicating his priorities for 2017.
We also heard the State of the Judiciary from Chief Justice Loretta Rush. Her primary message was one of thanks to every level of law enforcement. Her remarks included specific mentions of Miami County Judges Timothy Spahr, David Grund and Daniel Banina. Miami County Probation Officer Mandy Miller received special recognition along with the entire department. Mandy was present to hear the praise of Chief Justice Rush. I am extremely proud of our county and its outstanding justice and law enforcement officials.
Locally, I am working to make sure that we’re as successful as the rest of the state, and there are a few things I want to make you aware of.
Peru Mayor Gabe Greer recently informed me of the announcement made by officials at Square D/Schneider Electric that 70 employees would be laid off and two lines would be moved to areas in the south. The mayor was requesting any and all assistance from the state to deal with this terrible news. I immediately called the offices of the governor and lieutenant governor to ask for some intervention. The proper state entities are involved and working to achieve good results. I will continue to monitor situation closely.
Some of you may have noticed the signs along U.S. 31 that have black boxes at the bottom and antennas on top of the stop signs. I spoke with INDOT, and they are conducting a study to measure traffic on U.S. 31.
To make you aware, there is an influential group working to make U.S. 31 a limited access highway from South Bend to Indianapolis. I am skeptical of their motivation and concerned about our local welfare. There are countless farms, businesses and residences that have driveways connected to U.S. 31. Not to mention the county and state roads that intersect the highway.
Let me be clear: I am not opposed to improving U.S. 31. I am opposed to changes billed as improvements that are detrimental to our fragile Miami County economy and business. I will protect it to the best of my ability.
Many people are telling me how much they enjoy our eagle watching opportunities. Kudos to the DNR for helping grow the eagle population.
Finally, I want to pay my respects to Dr. Ted Hughes of Logansport who passed away Jan. 20. I came to know Ted at our Monday morning meetings at Bullshippers. It was enjoyable to hear his many stories of life as a teacher in Cass County. Dr. Ted was an educator, administrator and my friend. His advice and counsel will be missed.
Remember to stay in touch. It’s your state government!
More later,
Bill
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Rep. Bill Friend (R-Macy) represents House District 23,
which includes portions of Cass, Fulton and Miami counties.
A high-resolution photo of Friend can be downloaded by clicking here.
