Rep. Pelath
Indiana House Democratic Leader Scott Pelath of Michigan City congratuled Governor Mike Pence on his first State of the State address, while at the same time expressing concern over the Governor's plans for education. Regarding the Governor's proposed ten-percent income tax cut for Hoosiers, Pelath said it deserves "the Legislature's fair consideration," but "the Governor must make a strong case that it will truly spur new jobs for the middle class and people trying to get into the middle class."  Here's Representative Pelath's full statement:
            “I congratulate Governor Pence on his first State of the State address.  He lived up to his reputation as an effective speaker who loves Indiana.
            "The Governor's calls for an income tax cut deserve the Legislature's fair consideration. In turn, the Governor must make a strong case that it will truly spur new jobs for the middle class and people trying to get into the middle class.
            “Otherwise, the Governor must remain mindful Hoosiers are under many pressures, and we cannot neglect the revenue that pays for safe streets, smaller classrooms, and healthier families.
            “I must admit to deep worries regarding the Governor's plans for education.  The people of Indiana clearly believe that learning requires cooperation more than competition.
             "Before plunging Indiana's schools completely into a Wall Street-style system of boom and bust, the Governor should critically analyze the still unseen effects of school privatization.  Despite the radical notions of some in the Legislature, most Hoosiers prefer to see school competition in the gymnasium."
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