Recent economic reports show Indiana’s economy is continuing to grow stronger. Our state has added 38,000 new jobs over the last year, 147,800 new jobs since January 2013 and our labor force participation is at its highest point since 2009, creating more jobs for Hoosiers. Indiana is a state that works.
In fact, CNBC recently ranked Indiana first in the nation for the lowest cost of doing business and first in the nation for infrastructure, citing businesses' ability to get their products to the market. As your state representative, I will continue advocating for policies that make our state a great place to live and work.
Southern Indiana is an example of sustained investment in infrastructure and an enduring commitment to being business friendly. For example, the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs is starting a job training program aimed at improving the manufacturing skill level of those seeking work in our area. This will help ensure that industrial companies have a solid pool of workers in our region who are ready to be hired. The more we improve upon our workforce, the more likely businesses are to expand and relocate to the Hoosier state. The grant program, called the Southwest Indiana Manufacturing Project, or SWIM Plus, will be available in Dubois, Spencer, Perry, Crawford and Orange counties.
I understand that there is a lot of work to be done to provide career opportunities across District 74. This grant will give people an opportunity to become a certified production technician through classes at the Ivy Tech campus in Tell City. Along with coursework, this program will provide hands-on experience. Putting in the hours to learn about manufacturing safety, maintenance, quality, process and production is a crucial part of this program that will make job applicants more attractive to companies looking to hire them upon completion. Anyone who is interested in the program can contact 812-429-9810 for more information.
Through programs like these, southern Indiana can continue to show the rest of the state that we have the resources, skills and willingness to improve our quality of life. We have made great progress and there’s no doubt we can build on this momentum. Our area is on the economic map; we need to ensure it’s attractive as it can be to prospective businesses and workers alike.
As we continue to lead Indiana forward, please contact me with questions or input at 317-232-9793 or by email at h74@iga.in.gov. Learn more about the work being done at the Statehouse by signing up to receive my email updates at www.in.gov/h74.
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State Rep. Lloyd Arnold (R-Leavenworth) represents portions of Spencer, Dubois, Perry, Crawford and Orange counties.
A high-resolution photo of Arnold can be downloaded by clicking here.
