Public Policy Agenda

Budget & Finance

·         Protect Major Moves dollars designated for the Interstate 69 project in the biennial budget and ensure that the Next Generation Trust Fund remains solvent
·         Fund small business assistance, specifically for the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network
·         Fund institutions of higher education, specifically for state supported schools such as the University of Southern Indiana and Ivy Tech Community College in Evansville, as well as additional assistance to the University of Evansville  

Education Reform
·         Support changes in the K-12 education funding formula that make certain local school corporations receive their fair share in state funding
·         Provide increased flexibility and decision-making at the local level, while holding local school corporations more accountable for student learning  

Government Modernization
·         Enact meaningful reforms to reshape the structure and delivery of services provided by township and county government
·         Redraw political districts statewide on the basis of logical geographic and community boundaries  

Tax Structure & Economic Development
·         Revisit changes made in 2010 to the Unemployment Insurance system and ensure proper balance between employer premiums and the eligibility and benefit structure, while enacting administrative reforms
·         Ensure consistent local/state tax incentives are made available statewide, including support for Sales Tax Incremental Financing (STIF) District for Warrick County  

Transportation & Infrastructure
·         Accelerate planning, funding and construction of the Interstate 69 bridge connecting Evansville (I-164) and Henderson, KY (Pennyrile Parkway)
·         Create a new public transportation bridge authority to take ownership of New Harmony Bridge
·         Grant authority to utilize public-private partnerships between state government and the private sector in building new roads, bridges, and other infrastructure