Daniels Chairs IEDC Meeting In Winona, Talks Dem Walkout
Daniels Chairs IEDC Meeting In Winona, Talks Dem Walkout
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Jennifer Peryam-jperyam@timesuniononline.com
Daniels Chairs IEDC Meeting In Winona, Talks Dem WalkoutWINONA LAKE - Governor Mitch Daniels met with Indiana Economic Development Corp. members Thursday where a small business initiative was announced and he addressed the Democrat walkout issue.
Daniels chaired the hour-long quarterly meeting at the Remnant Trust in Winona Lake.
Dr. Dane Miller, Remnant Trust and IEDC board member, Winona Lake, suggested the meeting be held in Winona Lake, and Daniels agreed.
"This is the largest turnout we have had at an IEDC meeting, and I think this is a reflection of what the community thinks of the governor and the great work he is doing and concern for the challenges he faces," Miller said.
Wednesday was the second time the meeting has been held in Kosciusko County. The meetings are usually held in Indianapolis.
The meeting was open to the public, and was attended by the 12-member board along with approximately 70 business and government leaders and community members.
During the IEDC meeting, the board unveiled its INVEST Indiana initiative designed to attract new resources and increase access to capital for Indiana entrepreneurs.
Prior and following the meeting, the media had the opportunity to interview the governor on the Democrats leaving Indiana to Illinois in order to deny Republicans a quorum they need to take votes on bills.
Democrats want changes and elimination of bills targeting labor unions and reforming public education. Among their biggest concerns is a bill that would use public tax dollars to pay for private school tuition for some students.
On Thursday afternoon, Indiana House Republicans approved a $250-a-day fine against Democratic legislators who are boycotting the Statehouse, and fines begin Monday.
Daniels was asked what his thoughts were on the Democrats leaving Indiana.
"No one has disrespected the voters of Indiana or the political process in a way like this before," Daniels said.
He said Indiana House Minority Leader Pat Bauer (D) has been put in the smallest minority by voters, and Daniels said he does not want to see the whole political process trashed and the voters of Indiana disregarded.
"The Democrats have embarrassed and disgraced themselves, and cost the taxpayers of Indiana a lot of money, and I hope they have the conscience to come back to work," Daniels said.
He said Democrats have the right to oppose reform initiatives, but they don't have the right to take taxpayer money and run off to Illinois and hide.
Daniels also was asked if he is considering running for president.
"My intention is completely on the work we are trying to get done in Indiana, and that will have all my attention as long as it takes and it may take a long time," Daniels said.
