INDIANAPOLIS – Never-at-fault Congressman Todd Young chose to campaign with Mike Pence over the weekend in Central Indiana. This unity begs the question – like his support for Donald Trump, does Congressman Young believe in Mike Pence’s policies and record that have stalled Indiana’s economy, driven away job opportunities, and nationally embarrassed our reputation?
“While he has expressed his support for Mike Pence’s RFRA – a move that caused a $250 million economic panic – does Congressman Young also believe in the governor’s policies that have stalled our economy? Currently, income strength for Hoosiers ranks 38th in the nation and the state’s economic growth ranks last in the Midwest – does Todd Young believe this is an achievement?” said John Zody, Chairman. “Hoosiers don’t believe the economic snapshot Mike Pence is telling them because the truth is in their pocketbooks. As the governor is not getting the job done for Hoosiers, where does Congressman Young stand? If he wants to be U.S. Senator, Hoosiers deserve to know.”
Hoosiers have witnessed first-hand how an out-of-touch agenda could damage an economy and a state’s reputation – through Governor Mike Pence. Hoosiers have a right to know where the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate stands. Will Congressman Young be in lockstep with Mike Pence or will he abide by #YoungsLaw by opting out of responsibility for Pence’s mess?
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: INDIANA IS FALLING BEHIND THE REST OF THE NATION
Overall State Economy
- Indiana’s economy grew at a sluggish .4% rate in 2014. – [NWI Times, 6.10.15]
- Indiana’s economy grew .5% or less three of last four years. – [NWI Times, 6.10.15]
- Indiana ranks LAST in economic growth in the Midwest. – [NWI Times, 6.10.15]
- Indiana ranks 38th in per capita income, down from 34th in 2004. – [NWI Times, 03.26.16]
- Median Incomes: Wages have dropped from $53,500 in 2000 to $46,900 in 2013. – [U.S. Census]
- Hoosiers make 86 cents for every one American dollar earned. – [Indianapolis Star, 6.1.15]
- Indiana ranks 46th in quality of life, 42nd in workforce. – [CNBC]
- About two thirds of minimum wage workers in Indiana are women. – [Forbes, 7, 2015]
- Hoosier women make 75 cents for every dollar a man makes. – [AAUW, 2015]
- African American households earn on average $21,000 less than white households. – [Indianapolis Star, 4.11.15]
- Hispanic households make $15,000 less than white households. – [Indianapolis Star, 4.11.15]
Mike Pence’s RFRA
- Mike Pence signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in a closed door ceremony [FOX 59, 3.26.15], throwing Indiana into a $250 million economic panic. – [The Advocate, 7.10.15]
Pence Repeals Common Construction Wage Law
- Mike Pence and Statehouse Republicans repealed the common construction wage laws, allowing union worker wages to go down and the expanding wage gap continues to grow in our state. – [NWI Times, 5.6.15]
###