Skillman says Indiana will emerge stronger than ever from economic woes
(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman, above, spoke at the Whitley County Chamber of Commerce's Business Briefing Luncheon last week.
By Teresa Smith of the Tribune-News
Becky Skillman reminded everyone that she was a seatmate of the late State Senator Potch Wheeler for many years, when she started her talk at the Whitley County Chamber of Commerce's Business Briefing Luncheon Friday, May 21.
“So now you know I’ve also been to Larwill,” she said.
Skillman is the lieutenant governor of Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels. She leads the State Department of Agriculture, the Office of Community and Rural Affairs, the Office of Energy Development, the Office of Defense Development, the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, and the Office of Tourism Development. She also chairs the Indiana Counter Terrorism and Security Council and serves as the President of the Indiana Senate.
“I’m on the road a lot and I’m seeing signs of new life,” she said, referring to new economic life, as well as a return of the farmers to their fields.
The 50th Lt. Gov. said Columbia City is considered a part of the Fort Wayne regional economy, but Whitley County is also an entity of its own.
She pointed out that the state is working with less money and budgets have been trimmed so the income meets expenditures without raising taxes. Nor has the Governor raised taxes since the beginning of his term in 2005.
“Indiana is in position to emerge stronger than ever,” Skillman said. “We’re a beacon of stability, but we’ve taken may hits. Our hard work is just beginning.”
On the sunny side she pointed out the the Indiana Office of Community and Rural affairs has distributed more than $15 million in improvement grants and Whitley County has had its share of that funding.
In the last five years, agribusiness has brought more than 6,500 new jobs and invested more than $5 billion.
Indiana is considered the 12th best state for low taxes.
CNBC has said Indiana is the best place in the Midwest to do business.
The automotive manufacturing industry has brought more than 2,330 new jobs and continues to lead the nation in next generation batteries and vehicles.
“Last year our state EDC (economic development corporation) worked with 150 businesses, which means 20,000 jobs, 8,000 new jobs and $1.4 billion in capital investments,” she said.
Despite these bits of good news she acknowledged the state will be working with a budget of less than was available in 2007. With a federal tax on medical devices the jobs of 18,000 Hoosiers in this industry and another 45,000 in related industries may be in jeopardy.
Revenues are down 20 percent. This has meant a three percent reduction in funds for grades kindergarten through 12 and a six percent reduction for higher education.
“Government does not create prosperity,” Skillman said, “that’s the work of small businesses owners and risk takers.”
And she expects a complete economic comeback.
In Chamber business, Whitley County Chamber of Commerce board member David Smith reminded everyone of the upcoming golf outing set for Thursday, June 17.
The business briefing lunches return in the fall.