State Lawmakers React To Braun’s State Of The State Address

Source: Indy Politics / other

STATEHOUSE — State lawmakers and community leaders are reacting to Gov. Mike Braun’s State of the State address.

The reaction, as you might expect, has been partisan for the most part. Statehouse Democrats led by House minority leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) and Senate Minority Leader Shelli Yoder (D-Bloomington) said they have “several points of agreement” with Braun.

“He’s right that Hoosiers are barely keeping their heads above water due to the rising cost of living,” GiaQuinta said. “And we agree that Hoosiers are paying too much for healthcare and we need to address each of aspect of the healthcare industry individually to bring down costs.”

But, GiaQuinta said Braun is missing the mark when it comes to solving issues with property taxes by cutting back funding for local governments.

“Gov. Braun says local government can do more with less,” said GiaQuinata. “But when you’re having a heart attack and call 911, do you want the people coming to help you to be doing more with less? Do you want them underfunded? I think no.”

Overall, he called Braun’s property tax plan “a farce.”

Yoder also pushed back at Braun’s executive orders ending all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives within state government.

“Words like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and education around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion only make our community stronger,” Yoder said.

Many members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus feel the same way as they rallied on the fourth floor of the Indiana Statehouse during Braun’s address. They even tried to meet with the governor both before and after his speech. Braun promised to have a meeting at length with them in the coming days.

Republicans feel Braun’s address was right on point.

“I am extremely pleased to see Gov. Braun focusing his speech – and his administration – on issues that matter most to Hoosiers,” said Senate President Rod Bray (R-Martinsville). “Property tax reform, fiscal integrity, lowering health care costs, and improving government accountability are all issues that are very important to me and my caucus.”

“Gov. Braun is showing right out of the gate that he is going to lead with action,” said Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers). “We’ll continue to advance the bold, conservative leadership that’s resulted in low taxes, a growing economy, and increased opportunity for Hoosiers.”