Governor Eric Holcomb announced his 2023 Next Level Agenda last week and it’s appropriately focused on the economic well-being and health of our citizens, our communities and our state.
His budget priorities include significant new investments in preparing Hoosier children for the demands of a 21st century workplace (from pre-K through high school) and lifting up the skills of our adult workforce to fill the jobs of today and tomorrow.
Enhancing Indiana’s communities to help make them more attractive at a time when quality of life amenities is vitally important to attracting and retaining skilled workers is laudable. Furthermore, the Indiana Chamber supports implementing the Governor’s Public Health Commission recommendations, which include a budget request for $120 million for state fiscal year 2024 and $227 million in 2025.
Streamlining and increasing health care access in all 92 counties is a major step in this endeavor. Mental health and addiction problems also continue to plague the state so it’s encouraging to see the Governor’s generating more momentum in this area.
Further refreshing and expanding the tools at the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s disposal for enhanced competitiveness are important objectives outlined as well. Specifically, the Indiana Chamber supports bolstering capital investment, expanding the Manufacturing Readiness Grant Program and increasing the Indiana Destination Development Corporation’s funding by $20 million to attract visitors and retain students as they transition to the workforce.
These priorities and others in Gov. Holcomb’s proposed budget are highly aligned with the Indiana Chamber’s legislative agenda that was released in November, Brinegar points out. In particular, the Indiana Chamber has stressed in recent months the importance of a continuum of policies and investments to address Indiana’s Leaking Talent Pipeline that spans from early childhood to post-college graduates. This includes increasing childcare access and enhancing K-12 and higher education performance.
It’s imperative for employers that more Hoosiers are brought into – and remain in – the workforce with appropriate training. Building pathways to prosperity starts early and we look forward to working with the Governor and legislators in both parties to turn these goals into realities.
In Tuesday’s State of the State speech, Gov. Holcomb also noted that Forbes calls Indiana the best state to start a business in 2023. Forbes points to our business-friendly climate with a low flat tax, above-average business survival rate and a healthy amount of funding opportunities.
We look forward to continuing to make it even better as the voice of Indiana Business during this legislative session.
Resource: Kevin Brinegar at (317) 264-6882 or kbrinegar@indianachamber.com
