Archives for October 2016

 

INDIANAPOLIS – According to Eric Holcomb himself, campaigns are about ideas. He said so himself that “voters appreciate a clear agenda,” and it “many times make the winning difference” in a race.

Using Holcomb’s own words, let’s take a look at the policy proposals both John Gregg and Eric Holcomb have to offer.

CANDIDATE	DEPTH  OF POLICY PLANS
John Gregg	18,651 Words in Twelve Policy Plans
Eric Holcomb	879 Words in Two Policy Plans

“It’s clear that Eric Holcomb has no ideas or vision for leading Indiana forward. He’s spent a lifetime as a political operative and is more interested in holding office than doing anything positive once elected,” said Drew Anderson, communications director. “Hoosiers have seen this before and won’t be fooled again. That’s why they are supporting John Gregg, who is offering a big, bold agenda to improve the quality of life for all Hoosiers.”

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INDIANAPOLIS – The Mike Pence-Eric Holcomb Administration has ignored and mismanaged Indiana’s crumbling infrastructure, just like so many other problems that exist in state government. While Indiana’s roads are crumbling before our eyes, they seem more focused on pursuing an ideological political agenda.

Indiana’s D+ rated infrastructure woes have been illustrated by debacles such as the I-65 Bridge closure, but Mike Pence and Eric Holcomb’s late-to-the-game approach on our infrastructure has led to our economy falling behind once again. What’s more – the state’s $71 million waste on faulty asphalt and the more than 1,700 deficient bridges has created more road slide offs and bridge closures across the state – leaving many wondering what the current administration’s plan is for a fix.

“The Pence-Holcomb Administration’s late-to-the-game approach to address the state’s infrastructure has left us with $71 million in faulty asphalt, more than 1,700 deficient bridges, and only a short-term plan that would temporarily fix this mess,” said Drew Anderson, communications director. “This problem has led to economically crippling issues like the I-65 Bridge closure, and Hoosiers are tired of having its ‘Crossroads of America’ reputation placed in jeopardy. Pence-Holcomb have shown no long-term vision to fix this problem.”

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: PENCE-HOLCOMB ADMINISTRATION’S LATE-TO-THE-GAME APPROACH TO SOLVE INFRASTRUCURE CRISIS

Faulty Asphalt

HEADLINE: INDOT probes $71M crumbling road mystery. [Indy Star, 9/21/15]

Nearly 200 Recent Road Projects Could Crack and Crumble Years Ahead of Schedule. “Nearly 200 recent road projects across the state could crack and crumble years ahead of schedule because of critical mistakes contractors made mixing asphalt.” [Indy Star, 9/21/15]

State Officials Tested $71 Million in Pavement Proejcts to Uncover Flaws. “State transportation officials are testing samples from $71 million in pavement projects in state laboratories to uncover flaws in the asphalt mix. They suspect contractors are using insufficient amounts of the sticky petroleum binder that holds asphalt together. Others, however, suggest the state’s call to use more recycled asphalt could be the culprit.” [Indy Star, 9/21/15]

I-65 Bridge Closure

HEADLINE: I-65 Bridge Closed Until Mid September. [Indy Star, 9/15/15]

Long-Term Closure Followed Previous 28-Hour Shutdown. “Northbound I-65 from Lebanon to Lafayette has been closed since Aug. 7, when engineers noticed one end of the center bridge pier had sunk 9 inches. The long-term closure followed a previous 28-hour shutdown so steel supports could be installed to stabilize the bridge after unusual movement was observed Aug. 4.” [Indy Star, 9/15/15]

Pence Defended His Administration’s Handling of I-65 Shutdown. “Pence has also defended his administration’s handling of the I-65 shutdown, noting that new construction — not neglect — caused the northbound bridge over Wildcat Creek near Lafayette to sink more than a foot.” [Indy Star, 10/13/15]

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INDIANAPOLIS – Passing Right to Work. Repealing common construction wage. Working more for less. The Mike Pence-Eric Holcomb Administration and Statehouse Republicans have trumpeted out-of-touch economic policies that have crippled the Hoosier middle-class.

And the result? Per capita income has fallen to 38^th in the nation. Hoosiers only make 86 cents to every one American dollar. Economic growth for the state consistently falls behind the national average.

“The Hoosier middle-class is falling behind because of the out-of-touch Republican agenda led by Mike Pence and Eric Holcomb. Wages wouldn’t be lagging behind if Republicans in the Statehouse, led by Mike Pence and Eric Holcomb, had focused on issues to bolster the economy instead of ideological agendas that allow for skilled workers to make less and put our state’s reputations in jeopardy,” said John Zody, chairman. “Instead, Hoosiers are working more now than ever before yet still earning less than the rest of the nation. It seems the Pence-Holcomb team is only concerned about an employment number than making sure Hoosiers can earn a decent wage.”

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: PENCE-HOLCOMB HAVE CRIPPLED THE MIDDLE CLASS

Mayors Opposed Common Construction Wage Repeal

HEADLINE: “Local Mayors Oppose Repealing Indiana’s Common Wage Law” [WFIE, 4/8/15]

More Than 30 Indiana Mayors Opposed The Repeal Of The State’s Common Construction Wage Statute. “The controversial bill repealing Indiana’s Common Wage law has cleared a big hurdle at the Statehouse. Unions say it’s a job killer. Supporters call it a money saver. You’ve probably heard the ads on the radio: Construction workers fear they’ll earn less. Republican lawmakers believe taxpayers would spend less on government projects by doing away with Indiana’s 80-year-old law. Labor unions and even some contractors claim the state and local communities will get what they pay for. Supporters say the free market bidding system that works for private construction projects should work for government projects as well. Critics say doing away with the law will open the door for untrained and undocumented workers, as well as contractors who lack proper qualifications but submit the lowest bid. More than 30 Indiana Mayors oppose repealing the law. They include the Mayors of Evansville, Boonville, Mt. Vernon, and Rockport. Governor Mike Pence has said he fully supports a repeal of the law.” [WFIE, 4/8/15]

More Common Construction Wage Headlines

Times of Northwest Indiana: The Common Construction Wage In Indiana Was “A Tool Used For 80 Years By The State And Local Governments To Set Pay Rates On Their Building Projects If Valued At More Than $350,000.” “The Porter County Council took a bipartisan and unanimous stand Tuesday night against a bill moving forward downstate that would eliminate the use of the common construction wage. The resolution, which was introduced by Councilman Jeremy Rivas, D-2^nd, calls on state lawmakers to reject the proposal and asks state lawmakers from across Northwest Indiana to work together to prevent the bill from becoming law after being approved Monday by the Indiana House. The common construction wage is a tool used for 80 years by the state and local governments to set pay rates on their building projects if valued at more than $350,000.” [Times of Northwest Indiana, 2/24/15]

Statehouse File: “If HB 1019 Becomes Law, It Would Eliminate A System That Lets Local Boards Set Wages For Contractors That Work On Projects Worth More Than $350,000.” “If HB 1019 becomes law, it would eliminate a system that lets local boards set wages for contractors that work on projects worth more than $350,000. The boards are made up of five members and have representation from both union and non-union contractors. In many cases, the boards set minimum pay equal to the local union wage. Supporters say the proposal will reduce the cost of public projects by as much as 20 percent. Opponents claim those numbers are exaggerated and say any savings come on the backs of workers that support local businesses.”

Greensburg Daily News: “The [Indiana Legislative Services Agency] Said That While Repealing The Wage Law Could Reduce Labor Costs In The Short Term — Though By How Much Is Unknown — Schools, Cities And Other Public Institutions May End Up Paying More In The Long Term.” “The [Legislative Services Agency] said that while repealing the wage law could reduce labor costs in the short term — though by how much is unknown — schools, cities and other public institutions may end up paying more in the long term. ‘Some studies suggest that these types of prevailing wage systems lead to greater efficiency, quality, and safety by providing for a stable, well-trained labor force,’ LSA said. ‘If such benefits were not realized due to the repeal of prevailing wage requirements, public institutions may experience an increase in costs relating to these factors in the long run.’ In addition, LSA said, ‘some studies suggest that prevailing wage systems, by increasing the wage to affected workers, increases the overall tax base due to higher incomes and consumption.’” [Greensburg Daily News, 4/20/15]

Herald Bulletin Editorial: The Repeal Of Indiana’s Common Construction Wage Act Was “Another Stab Into The Heart Of Unions.” “The reasons may be the same today as they were in 1935 when Indiana’s Common Construction Wage Act was adopted. Though not everyone realizes it. Back then, legislators wanted to be sure that construction laborers were paid adequate wages when working on public projects. Today, Hoosiers would likely want to be assured of fair wages. But the current Indiana General Assembly and Gov. Mike Pence have attacked the law with plans to repeal it. They say the repeal will bolster small businesses and kill what has become a government-mandated price-fixing ‘scheme.’ The repeal is another stab into the heart of unions.” [Editorial, Herald Bulletin, 4/23/15]

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INDIANAPOLIS –Eric Holcomb still won’t acknowledge the damage Mike Pence’s RFRA has brought to Indiana. Holcomb, who believed Pence “struck the right tone” on LGBT rights, won’t acknowledge the $250 million economic panic, the $60 million lost in tourism revenue, or the twelve conventions the state lost because of RFRA.

But worst of all, Eric Holcomb won’t admit that Mike Pence’s RFRA embarrassed Indiana and put its “Hoosier Hospitality” reputation in jeopardy. Is this something Eric Holcomb is “quite proud” of?

“Mike Pence’s RFRA tarnished Indiana’s welcoming reputation and brought long-term, colossal damage to the state’s economy. Yet, Eric Holcomb won’t acknowledge the law was wrong, nor does he have a plan to fix what is now open discrimination against LGBT Hoosiers,” said Drew Anderson, communications director. “Hoosiers are fed up with the Pence-Holcomb Administration putting their out-of-touch agenda ahead of Indiana’s well-being. They want to see all Hoosiers to feel included – not just a special few.”

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: ERIC HOLCOMB ON MIKE PENCE’S RFRA

Holcomb Said That “The Governor Struck The Right Tone In His State Of The State Address” On Saying Any LGBT Measure Should Place A Premium On Shielding Religious Freedom. According to IndyStar, “While Holcomb is generally well-liked among the GOP’s different factions, it remains to be seen whether he will be able to help Pence restore his relationship with business and more socially moderate Republicans. They wanted lawmakers to pass a gay rights measure during this year’s legislative session, but that measure stalled, in part, because of the stance Pence took in his State of the State address. In the speech, Pence said he would want any measure to place a premium on shielding religious freedom.  Holcomb said he agreed with Pence’s message.  ‘I think the governor struck the right tone in his State of the State address,’ Holcomb said.” [IndyStar, 2/9/16]

Holcomb Openly Said He Backed The Governor’s Stance On The Civil Rights Protections For The LGBT Community. According to the Associated Press, “But both Pence and Ellspermann deny there is a rift between them, though differences between the two were highlighted in September when Ellspermann said she supported civil rights protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. The party has been divided over the issue since the backlash against the religious objections law that the Republican-led Legislature passed last year before watering it down under heavy criticism from big business. Pence has said he favors religious freedoms over protections for anyone who has been declined service, fired from a job or denied housing over sexual orientation or gender identity. But Holcomb has openly said he backed the governor’s stance. […] He also brings wide rapport that would serve as a bridge for Pence to unite the business-oriented moderates and tea party-backed conservatives who have clashed over the LGBT debates.” [The Associated Press, 3/3/16]

 

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INDIANAPOLIS – Eric Holcomb, much like Mike Pence, continues to say that wages in Indiana are on the rise for Hoosier workers. However, economic stats do not agree with the economic snapshot Holcomb is trying to sell.

“Indiana’s economic recovery is behind the national average – with Hoosiers earning less while working more hours. Yet, Eric Holcomb refuses to admit what the economic stats are revealing, and instead continues to mislead Hoosiers,” said Drew Anderson, communications director. “But with Hoosiers not getting more bang for their bucks, the Mike Pence-Eric Holcomb snapshot economy falls flat.”

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: WAGES FALLING UNDER PENCE-HOLCOMB ADMINISTRATION

HEADLINE: “Hoosiers’ income still lags” [IndyStar, 3.24.16]

Hoosiers’ income grew slower than the national rate last year, leaving Indiana ranked 38th in per-capita income, the Bureau of Economic Analysis reported Thursday. Income for Indiana residents was up 4 percent last year, to $40,998 per person. Nationally, per-capital personal income increased 4.4 percent, to $47,669. [IndyStar, 3.24.16]

2014: Income Hoosiers Received Grew Slower Than The National Average. “The federal government released new figures on the wealth of states’ residents, and the numbers aren’t good for Indiana. The income Hoosiers received last year grew slightly slower than the national average, dropping the state from 38th to 39th in per capita income, according the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Personal income in Indiana grew 2.5 percent from 2013 to 2014. Only five states had slower growth rates. That resulted in a per capita income in Indiana of $39,433 compared with $46,129 for the nation. Indiana’s per capita income was very close to the national average from 1929 until the 1970’s. The difference opened up even more in about 1980. The 2014 gap of $6,696 is the largest it’s been. Among types of income in Indiana, investment income and government benefits like Social Security grew the most. Wages grew the least. Perhaps it’s not surprising, then, that the Pew Charitable Trusts reported Wednesday that Indiana is not among the states where employment has recovered from the drop caused by the Great Recession.” [Indy Star, 3/26/15]

2014: Indiana’s Earnings Growth Rate Ranked 44th Among The 50 States, With Incomes Growing Just 2.1 Percent Compared With A National Average Of 4 Percent. “I am proud of Indiana’s record on job creation but painfully aware that our performance in creating good-paying jobs must improve. Our earnings growth rate ranked 44th among the 50 states last year, with incomes growing just 2.1 percent compared with a national average of 4 percent. Our average wage-per-job figure is distressing. It was less than 1 percent below the national average in 1970; by 2012, it was more than 15 percent below the national average.” [Editorial, Journal Gazette, 1/13/15]

Indiana’s Average Wage-Per-Job Figure Was More Than 15 Percent Below The National Average. “I am proud of Indiana’s record on job creation but painfully aware that our performance in creating good-paying jobs must improve. Our earnings growth rate ranked 44th among the 50 states last year, with incomes growing just 2.1 percent compared with a national average of4 percent. Our average wage-per-job figure is distressing. It was less than 1 percent below the national average in 1970; by 2012, it was more than 15 percent below the national average.” [Editorial, Journal Gazette, 1/13/15]

Since 2000, The Median Household Income In Indiana Decreased By 14 Percent. “Median household income in Indiana has decreased by 14 percent since 2000; by 10.8 percent since 2007. It is the largest decrease among all neighboring states. Figures for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families show that the safety net is failing. Since 2008, the state has seen a 71 percent decline in TANF alongside a 25 percent increase in poverty.” [Editorial, Journal Gazette, 1/15/15]

Indiana Institute For Working Families Senior Policy Analyst Derek Thomas: “To Describe Indiana In Terms Of Absolute Economic Success Is Disingenuous.” “Gov. Mike Pence describes Indiana as ‘the fiscal envy of the country,’ enjoying balanced budgets, strong reserves and the largest tax cut in the state’s history. Indiana is on a roll, he proclaimed in his State of the State address Tuesday.  This ignores some bitter realities. ‘To describe Indiana in terms of absolute economic success is disingenuous,’ said Derek Thomas, senior policy analyst for the Indiana Institute for Working Families. ‘I don’t think anyone is envious of Hoosier families and their finances.’” [Editorial, Journal Gazette, 1/15/15]

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