We were able to address four specific areas that strengthen Indiana where we protect Hoosier tax payers; promote Hoosier job creation, expand education opportunities; and stand up to Washington D.C. My main concern for our state, especially our community, is jobs. I don't want to see any more businesses closing or layoffs occurring. Bringing good jobs to our state and keeping Hoosiers employed is my top priority. We believe that government doesn't create jobs, but it can create an environment for jobs and economic growth to flourish. That is why our focus is on solid ideas to attract businesses to Indiana. One of the ways we can attract more jobs to Indiana is by creating a balanced budget - without a general tax increase. A positive, predictable business tax structure can draw new business to our state as well as assist current businesses to prosper. The more financial stability Indiana has, the more attractive Indiana is to business executives and entrepreneurs. Indiana offers a great tax incentive to business called the Industrial Recovery Site Tax Credit (The Dinosaur Building Tax Credit). This incentive is offered to companies to invest in vacant industrial facilities to rehabilitate or remodel the facility for the company's use. We would like to extend this incentive out to more Hoosiers and businesses. Our goal is to spread the incentive over the entire state to rural and urban communities. Companies, businesses, executives and entrepreneurs know that if they are willing to invest in us, then we will invest in them. We will be helping in this arena by also increasing access to start-up capital. This also leads into education. Across the whole nation, manufacturing jobs are moving overseas. Most likely the manufacturing industry will never again see the business boom it once did post World War II. To remain competitive and on top of the curve, education must be improved and offer training for high-tech positions and also ensure that our students are receiving the best education. To ensure we can create an atmosphere for our state's economy to flourish, educate our youth and professionals better and outperform our neighboring states, Indiana must have a balanced budget. We cannot raises taxes on Hoosier families. In this economy, Hoosier families have a hard enough time managing their money and getting by and the government cannot burden them anymore. You have my word, even though this session will be difficult, I will not support a general tax increase. Instead, I will work with my fellow members to control government spending and making sure your tax dollars are not being wasted. There is a lot of work to do with limited resources. State revenues continue at about 2005 levels, but I will do whatever I can to make efficient use of our available funds. Families across Indiana have had to tighten their belts, and the government simply must do the same. More later, Bill Friend
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