Senator Dan Coats Will Not Seek Re-Election

U.S. Sen. Dan Coats
U.S. Sen. Dan Coats

Republican U.S. Senator Dan Coats announced today that he would not seek re-election in 2016.

He issued the following statement:

“Today I am announcing that I will not seek re-election to the United States Senate. This was not an easy decision. While I believe I am well-positioned to run a successful campaign for another six-year term, I have concluded that the time has come to pass this demanding job to the next generation of leaders.

“Until the end of my Senate term, I pledge to my constituents that I will continue to focus all of my time and energy on the major challenges that Hoosiers sent me to Washington to address.

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Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Officially Opens U.S. 31 in Northern Indiana

Governor Mike Pence and Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (far right) cut the ribbon to officially open U.S. 31 between Plymouth and South Bend
Governor Mike Pence and Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (near right), the Mangus family and crews cut the ribbon to officially open U.S. 31 between Plymouth and South Bend

The grand opening of the new U.S. 31 highway between Plymouth and South Bend was held Wednesday afternoon with Governor Mike Pence and Congresswoman Jackie Walorski in attendance plus the engineers behind the project and the crews that worked on the highway.

Governor Pence said the new U.S. 31 will be a great asset to the economy of not only Northern Indiana but the whole state.

“I think it’s really incalculable,” said Pence. “When I say that roads mean jobs, I mean that having the right infrastructure creates conditions that invite more investment that will put Hoosiers to work for generations to come. The vision for what used to be called the expressway that now is the Mangus Memorial Highway is a result of decades of effort here in Indiana. I believe that it’s going to put not only Northern Indiana, but all of Indiana in a position to attract more investment, create more jobs and opportunities in addition to creating a safe and more accessible thoroughfare.”

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Officials Break Ground on $100 Million Expansion Project in LaPorte

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Governor Mike Pence addresses the crowd on the grounds at Alcoa’s manufacturing facility

Governor Mike Pence helped Alcoa dignitaries break ground Thursday morning on a $100 million expansion project next to its current facility in LaPorte.

The 320,000 square foot addition will enable 329 new workers to produce nickel-based superalloy jet engine parts. It will allow Alcoa to go beyond the structural engine component assembly for business and regional jets to large commercial aircraft. The plant will also increase the company’s capacity to supply engines for narrow-body aircraft, which are the top-selling jet engines in the world.

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Local Superintendent Reacts to Indiana’s Withdrawl from Common Core

 Indiana Governor Mike Pence recently signed legislation withdrawing Indiana from the Common Core math and reading standards. The Common Core is an outline on what students should be learning in those subjects.

Governor Pence said he believes the state’s students are best served by education decisions made at the state and local level. The legislature previously required the State Board of Education to draft new standards by grade.

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Governor Announces Plans for Post-Weather Road Repairs

 
 
Hoosier highways have been wracked by potholes caused by this winter’s record snowfall, low temperatures and repeated freeze-thaw cycles that, combined, have created the perfect storm for producing potholes. Governor Mike Pence yesterday announced the state, through the efforts of the Indiana Department of Transportation, is taking action to repair state roadways.

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Additional $5 Million Allocated to Low Income Energy Assistance Program

  
 
With nearly 10 percent of Hoosiers utilizing propane for their residential heating, the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority recently allocated an additional $5 million in funds to assist low-income families with their energy needs. The funds were released to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, to be funneled to local service providers who cover all 92 counties.

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Pence Extends Emergency Propane Proclamation Through March 1

Governor Mike Pence
Governor Mike Pence
The emergency proclamation issued by Governor Mike Pence to ease the restriction on the hours of service for propane transporters has been extended through March 1. The announcement was made Wednesday afternoon during a press conference at 1:30 p.m. CT, when he also declared an energy emergency, suspending limitations on divisible load for propane suppliers, as well as directing INDOT and the Department of Revenue to work with the Indiana Motor Carriers Association to expedite permit applications and waive fees on overweight loads carrying propane.

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Snow Storm to Cause Travel Difficulties

Indiana Governor Mike Pence
Indiana Governor Mike Pence
The state of Indiana will be receiving various amounts of snow over the weekend and you are urged to be cautious when driving.

Governor Mike Pence issued a statement on Thursday noting that this winter storm will make travel challenging for everyone. Pence assures that all officials will be monitoring road conditions and the weather and will respond with all available resources. The governor encourages all drivers in affected areas to avoid unnecessary travel and allow room for snow plow drivers to work.

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Pence Authorizes One-Time Bonuses for State Employees

Indiana Governor Mike Pence
Indiana Governor Mike Pence
Governor Mike Pence yesterday sent out letters to state employees authorizing one-time bonuses following performance evaluations in January. According to the letter, employees who meet expectations will receive a $500 bonus, those who exceed expectations will receive $750, and those rated outstanding will receive $1,000. Since the bonuses will be funded by the Personal Services Contingency Fund or absorbed by dedicated or federal funds, they will not impact the state’s general fund.

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Governor Mike Pence Visits Pulaski County

Governor Mike Pence greets those gathered in Winamac
Governor Mike Pence greets those gathered in Winamac

Indiana Governor Mike Pence entered the Fox’s Den in Winamac Tuesday afternoon with a smile on his face and his hand extended to meet the many residents and business owners who gathered there and to discuss the state of Indiana, along with great measures the state is making in education and employment.

Governor Pence stated that small business is what makes Indiana a great place to be.

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Governor Pence to Visit Winamac Today

Mike Pence
Mike Pence

Indiana Governor Mike Pence will be participating in a meet and greet today from Noon to 1 p.m. ET at 124 N. Market Street in Winamac.

This is an opportunity for residents and business owners to get together with the governor to discuss topics such as small business, health insurance and other items of interest.

This event is sponsored by the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce.

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Pence Proclaims Today Larry Bird Day

Larry Bird
Larry Bird
Today is Larry Bird Day in Indiana, honoring a native Hoosier born in West Baden who, according to Governor Mike Pence, “helped to transform the game of basketball into the one Hoosiers know and love today.” Pence issued a proclamation this week declaring Saturday, Nov. 9 as Larry Bird Day, coinciding with the official dedication of a 15-foot bronze statue of Bird at Indiana State University.

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Gov. Mike Pence Presents Grant Funds to Knox School Officials

 
 
A year after being elected, Gov. Mike Pence paid a visit to Knox High School to announce the distribution of funds aimed at keeping students across Indiana safe.

“The Knox Community School Corporation has been awarded a grant for $50,000. This is the maximum allowable grant. It represents strong leadership in the corporation, and a real commitment by this community to make sure our schools are about learning and create a safe environment for our kids,” said Pence.

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Gov. Pence to Announce School Safety Grant at Knox High School

Indiana Governor Mike Pence
Indiana Governor Mike Pence

Governor Mike Pence will soon be announcing more than $9 million in grant funding that will go towards improving the safety of schools and school corporations throughout the state at Knox Community High School. Pence will visit the school on Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 10 a.m. to announce the Secured School Safety Grant, a dedicated state grant fund that provides matching safety-related grants to school corporations and charter schools.

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State Superintendent Files Lawsuit Against State Board of Education

 
 

Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz has filed a lawsuit against the members of the State Board of Education.

The lawsuit alleges that the members of the state board violated the state’s Open Door Law by taking action in secret by drafting, or directing the drafting of, a letter sent to President Pro Tempore Long and Speaker Brian Bosma on Oct. 16.

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