Sep 26, 2024
INDIANAPOLIS -- On Thursday, Indiana's Democratic gubernatorial ticket gave Hoosiers a look at what their economic development strategy would look like if they are elected in November. Jennifer McCormick and Terry Goodin released the campaign's "balanced economic development strategy," as well as its "common sense economic development plan," stressing that both mark a "significant shift" in the state's approach to economic development. McCormick, Indiana’s former state superintendent for public instruction, and Goodin, a former state lawmaker and educator, make up the Democratic ticket in November’s race for Indiana governor. They will face U.S. Senator Mike Braun (R-Ind.) and Micah Beckwith on the Republican side as well as Donald Rainwater and Tonya Hudson on the Libertarian side. Braun, McCormick to participate in FOX59/CBS4 gubernatorial debate McCormick's campaign said that the balanced economic development strategy focuses on recruiting and retaining people in Indiana while the state builds on its previously implemented business-friendly policies. The "common sense" economic development plan serves as the steps that the campaign plans to take to implement the overall strategy. “For twenty years, Indiana’s economic development strategy has focused on the largest corporations, not Hoosier workers or small businesses,” McCormick said in a news release announcing the campaign's economic development approach. “Our balanced strategy will prioritize people and small businesses–strengthening education, workforce development and quality of life in every county.” McCormick argues that the state's current economic approach, specifically highlighting the Indiana Economic Development Corporation providing tax incentives, regulatory reductions and reducing wages, has not led to sustained economic growth for the state. McCormick/Goodin campaign releases ‘common sense’ utility affordability plan The main barrier to economic growth, in the campaign's view, is talent attraction and retention. The release said that the state should prioritize people and small businesses, instead of prioritizing the state's largest employers. The campaign's economic development strategy includes the following goals: Invest in education and workforce development This includes increasing education funding, as well as implementing workforce training programs in partnership with higher education institutions Expand quality of life investments This includes investing in affordable housing, cultural amenities and public spaces throughout the state of Indiana, as well as prioritizing infrastructure like parks and transit. Look beyond Central Indiana This includes implementing local talent retention programs in each region of the state that include tuition support payment assistance, housing stipends and tax breaks for individuals who stay and work in smaller communities after graduation Empower local governments and customize economic solutions This includes increasing local input over economic funds, allowing counties to tailor initiatives make on their strengths. Invest in tourism and agritourism This includes investing in agritourism and outdoor recreation to drive economic growth, developing businesses like bed-and-breakfasts, eco-tourism, wineries and farm tours. Support small businesses This includes providing targeted support for small businesses like increasing access to capital, creating incubator programs and mentorship networks and improving access to resources for businesses owned by women, veterans and minorities. Strengthen public health and healthcare accessibility This includes increasing the state's investment in public health and healthcare infrastructure to help reduce costs for vulnerable Hoosiers and improve accessibility. Restore common sense to government This includes repealing the state's abortion ban, legalizing and regulating adult use of marijuana and "stopping the extreme and socially divisive policies." "Indiana shouldn’t pick​​ winners and losers but instead focus on developing a statewide, locally-driven economic development strategy in all 92 counties," the campaign said in the release. "By prioritizing talent attraction through broad investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and local empowerment, and by ending the extreme social policies of single-party rule, Indiana can ensure that every region –not just central Indiana–can thrive." Poll: Braun leads in Indiana governor’s race The campaign said they would help implement the strategy by taking the following actions if they are elected in November, including: Reform the role of the IEDC The campaign said that the IEDC should return to its "original purpose as a business concierge" and help facilitate business operations, foster private investment and prioritize business retention and expansion support. Increase transparency and accountability at the IEDC The campaign said that the IEDC should provide regular reports that track the progress of tax incentives. End the practice of picking winners and losers The campaign said that the IEDC should focus on inclusive economic development by ensuring all 92 counties benefit from state-level support. The campaign also highlighted the importance of continuing the READI and Stellar Pathway programs to target long-term regional revitalization efforts. Expand small business support via regulatory review and streamline licensing The campaign said that Indiana should conduct a "comprehensive regulatory review to eliminate unnecessary barriers for startups and existing businesses." The campaign believes that Indiana should also streamline licensing processes and provide a state tax phase-in for new businesses. Incentivize childcare support for employers The campaign said this includes creating a state corporate income tax credit, capped at $300 million annually, for businesses that provide on-site or nearby childcare for employees. Expand the earned income tax credit The campaign said this would help low-income workers keep more of their wages, providing up to $150 million annually and impacting worker retention. Create a business and infrastructure roundtable for collaborative economic planning The campaign said they would establish a quarterly business roundtable with representatives from small, medium and large businesses across the state with energy, water and infrastructure experts. The campaign said this would help ensure that policies reflect the needs of employers of all sizes. Close the super abatement loophole; automatic new tax phase-in The campaign said this would eliminate super abatements by capping the length of tax abatements. A state tax phase-in for all new businesses would ensure fairness between corporations and local companies. According to the Indiana Secretary of State’s office, Hoosiers are able to register to vote for the 2024 General Election through Oct. 7. For more information on how Indiana residents are able to register to vote, click here.
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