View your personalized ballot, check your voter registration, make a plan to vote, and research every name and measure on the ballot with BallotReady.
Get StartedWhile radical activists and D.C. Career politicians call for the end of qualified immunity for our law enforcement and first responders, I will lead the charge and work with the state legislature to enhance and strengthen qualified immunity by codifying it into state law. No police officer, firefighter or EMS personnel should ever wrongfully face criminal liability for their good faith actions in the line of duty. Learn more
Indiana has made great strides in ensuring our first responders have the training and resources necessary to do their jobs safely, efficiently and effectively. As governor, I will look to continue this progress and partner with our state legislature to identify training gaps local departments are still experiencing that the state can help address, especially in regard to the fentanyl epidemic and handling exposure to the drug. Learn more
Across Indiana, departments are struggling to attract and retain first responders, leaving them short-staffed and those on the job overworked. The state can and should play a role in helping to reverse this trend. That’s why, as governor, I will work with the state secretary of education and colleges and universities across the state to create high school and college level programs to provide expedited pathways to becoming a first responder. Learn more
As governor, I will invest in new investigative technologies such as rapid DNA, increase crime lab capabilities and expand the state's crime gun intelligence center. Learn more
I will also work with the appropriate agencies and organizations to develop additional training curriculum that specifically prepares our first responders to address instances of mental health problems. Learn more
Judicial discretion in the application of bail has led to instances of violent and repeat offenders receiving low or no-cost bail, letting them back on our streets and in our neighborhoods putting Hoosiers at risk. To prevent this, and ensure uniformity in the application of bail, I will lead the effort to create mandatory minimum levels of required bail to be applied in Indiana’s court system. This new standard would be calculated based on a complete analysis of all crimes the offender is charged with and would serve as the minimum bail a judge may set. Learn more
As governor, I will lead the effort to require age verification for the use of all digital platforms that can have harmful effects on young Hoosiers including social media and gaming platforms, as well as websites that distribute or display pornographic material. Learn more
Additionally, the state will run an out-of-state recruitment effort and work with the appropriate organizations to streamline the process so first responders from other states can easily step into new departments and agencies. Learn more
Every death due to the fentanyl epidemic is one too many. Last year alone, 2,250 Hoosiers died from drug poisoning or overdose, 71 percent of which can be attributed to synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. To help put an end to this epidemic, as governor, I will pursue the creation of regional, multi-disciplinary task forces that cross jurisdictional lines to act as a force multiplier in the fight to tackle this epidemic. These task forces will be permitted to investigate deaths attributable to synthetic opioids as homicides, enabling them to target fentanyl dealers and traffickers more efficiently and effectively. Learn more
As governor, I will strictly limit the ability of online companies to collect, use or sell data related to users under the age of 18. Learn more
I will also fight to secure funding to supplement ongoing local efforts battling this epidemic, including the purchase of specialized equipment, personnel and prosecutorial support to charge and prosecute these crimes. Learn more
Additionally, I will work with the state legislature to define the parameters and implement additional civil or criminal penalties for companies that do not take the appropriate steps to prevent children from accessing pornographic content online. Learn more
Furthermore, I will work with the state legislature to give our first responders the full backing of the law to make the decision to commit offenders in crisis to a behavioral health center. Learn more
Furthermore, we will expand the Manufacturing Readiness Grant program to assist more small- and medium-sized businesses looking to increase efficiency by adopting new technology. Learn more
That includes encouraging the DNR to move to “general permits” to significantly reduce the time farmers must spend dealing with bureaucratic red tape that increases costs and decreases farm efficiency, and pushing back against federal regulations that aim to alter how Hoosier farmers do their work. Learn more
But we can also support farm efficiency by attracting and supporting agricultural technology and innovation startups to the state. And to help farmers adopt this technology, we will propose an “Agriculture Readiness Grant” program, similar to the state’s current Manufacturing Readiness Grant program, to provide matching grants to farmers looking to modernize their operations or implement new technology that will increase their output and farming efficiency. Learn more
And it’s why we will create a more favorable regulatory and tax environment for venture capital investment by continuing to expand the Venture Capital Investment Tax Credit for investments made into Indiana-based startups and funds, and exploring additional incentives to promote venture capital firms to operate within the state. Learn more
We must continue to respect our farmers and the agricultural industry, recognizing how vital it is not only to our economy — but our local communities across the state — and fight against overregulation at both the state and federal levels that make their lives and work harder. Learn more
Expand Indiana’s foreign trade relationships by increasing exports, especially agricultural exports. Learn more
Reduce regulations that stifle innovation and remove barriers to starting a new business. Learn more
Furthermore, as proposed in my Learn More, Earn Moreplan, we must foster robust entrepreneurial education and awareness in our schools, which would also include an expansion of the Innovate WithIN program so that students across the state can explore the opportunities of entrepreneurship. Learn more
Indiana can and should secure more than its fair share of the economic opportunities provided by the record levels of onshoring of American companies — especially manufacturing companies — in industries like semiconductor manufacturing and electric vehicle production and life sciences, orthopedics and agricultural and defense-related technologies. But this will require Indiana to be ready in more ways than one — we must have the talent and the sites. That is why I will work with leaders of Indiana’s colleges and universities to ensure that their degree programs truly prepare Hoosier students with in-demand skills and pursue the creation of innovative educational partnerships to make Indiana an academic leader for semiconductor manufacturing, EV and life sciences programs. This effort will be bolstered by partnerships between companies and universities and colleges. Learn more
Indiana ranks 44th in the country for its rate of new entrepreneurs (Kauffman Indicators of Entrepreneurship) and 40th for venture capital disbursed to Indiana companies (National Science Foundation: Science and Engineering Indicators). That’s why on day one, I will name a Secretary of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, a cabinet-level position dedicated to growing Indiana’s entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems. Learn more
Small- and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of communities across the state. To support them, we will urgently reduce bureaucratic red tape, as well as the number and amount of fees, permits and licensing requirements that may unnecessarily increase costs, hamper expansions or inhibit innovation. Along those lines, we should allow for the full expensing of short-lived capital investments. Instead of requiring a deduction for a qualifying capital investment to be made over years or even decades, let’s provide for a full deduction for state taxes in the year the investment was made. Learn more
We will also reinvest in the Next Level Indiana Fund as a key source of capital to support VC funds that are investing in Indiana companies. To encourage innovation, we will continue and expand the Innovation Voucher Grant program, which can be vital to ensuring the necessary time is spent on research and development, and continue to support the development of facilities for startup innovators that are necessary for early-stage research and development. Learn more
To build an economy of the future, we must have the workforce to support it — that is why we must fully reimagine the way Indiana approaches talent development. Additionally, we must prioritize and educate our students about the number of career pathways available to them to earn a good living and build a great life right here in Indiana, as proposed in my Learn More, Earn More plan. Furthermore, we will expand the scope of the state’s post-secondary financial aid programs so they can be leveraged by students who wish to pursue a technical education and increase funding for the Career Scholarship Accounts (CSA) program. Learn more
Teaching is a noble profession — one that is essential to our social and economic futures. Teachers must be paid more than they earn today, and their pay should be based on their performance in the classroom and the outcome of their efforts. We should also be able to offer teachers in high-demand subjects, such as STEM subjects, higher salaries to compete with other employment opportunities. Learn more
These digital technologies and AI also make possible new ways of educating students that also give parents more control over how their students are taught and what they learn; “micro schools” are such an example that are now thriving across the country. These small, multifamily learning environments can be organized as a shared learning experience for homeschooled children, as licensed private schools or even within traditional public schools or charter schools. Indiana should pilot new school models and provide state funding to those that are deemed to meet defined quality and performance standards. Learn more
Additionally, all educational and industry-approved credentials should be “stackable,” meaning they have unique value in demonstrating competency or mastery of a skill but can also be combined with other credentials to create a “portfolio” that displays a student’s ability to step into a specific industry-defined job. Learn more
There have been many worthy efforts to prepare students for a pathway to college — an important pathway no doubt — but we know that a four-year degree does not fit every student’s individual needs. We need to ensure Hoosier children understand and have access to technical education programs that become available to them beginning in the seventh grade. We also need to prioritize entrepreneurship education programs for students so those with a dream of starting their own business can do so successfully. Learn more
We must stop the social promotion of students and significantly reduce the use of “Good Cause Exemptions” that allow schools to move students who fail the IREAD 3 exam multiple times to the fourth grade. Learn more
Every Hoosier student should have access to secure, reliable and high-speed broadband connectivity, as it opens an infinite range of educational resources. Although much progress has been made on this, there are still too many places across the state without adequate internet access, especially in our rural areas. With the recent federal award of 858 million to support broadband expansion, we must use it to ensure that every Hoosier has access to internet. Even with these efforts, the cost of broadband access can be prohibitive, especially for low-income families. Just as the state pays for student textbooks, it should also provide financial support to enable low-income students to access the internet at little to no cost. Learn more
As governor, I will work with the Indiana Department of Education to ensure age-appropriate classroom instruction is being provided to educate children on not only the benefits, but also the risks and dangers associated with social media and other online activity. Learn more
Current law does not allow licensed childcare facilities to apply for the Indiana Secured Grant program, which provides state matching grant funds schools can utilize for student safety initiatives, including school resource officers. As governor, I will propose making these facilities eligible to receive such funds so that they can use their limited resources on recruiting staff and procuring the necessary materials to educate and protect our state’s youngest. Learn more
Any state-certified entity that provides an education, whether that be a traditional public school, charter school, private school or magnet school, should receive the same level of funding for each student it enrolls. Of course, the level of funding per student will and should vary, as students with special needs or those from disadvantaged backgrounds require more resources to educate — but that level of funding should be the same regardless of what type of school the student attends. Moreover, that funding should follow the student to their specific school rather than being allocated to the school district. Learn more
We must also push back on the federal government’s continued overreach to prematurely close Indiana’s coal-fired power plants, and when such a plant does close, require identification of new sources that will replace the lost capacity. Learn more
Continue to support the innovation at the Midwest Hydrogen Hub in Northwest Indiana to bring high-paying jobs to Indiana. Learn more
Work with utilities, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) to create a credible plan for building and financing natural gas-fired power plants capable of producing at least 5 GW of new electric power over the next five years. Learn more
Indiana’s fall from one of the most energy-affordable states to middle of the pack is simply unacceptable. As we look to grow our economy, we must urgently address this issue with a particular focus on resource adequacy and affordability. Hoosiers and Indiana businesses need be able to rely on the power needed to grow and thrive at an affordable price. Indiana has benefitted from being an all-of-the-above state, and we must continue this work by crafting a strategic plan and incentivizing energy technology and production innovation for all sources of power, including wind, solar, natural gas, coal, hydrogen and nuclear. Learn more
Although the state has made progress in this effort by banning TikTok on state devices and in the state system, I will expand this prohibition to any device or system purchased with state dollars. Additionally, if state efforts to ban the app are successful, such as the effort in Montana, I will work with the state legislature to pass similar legislation into law. Learn more
Due to Washington, D.C., inaction on border security, majority-owned and controlled Chinese firms are shipping precursor chemicals to the United States and other countries for the manufacturing of fentanyl, which eventually finds its way across the United States. This places increased burdens on states in regard to healthcare, public safety and productivity, and takes the lives of too many citizens. As proposed in my Protect and Serve plan, I will pursue the creation of regional, multi-disciplinary task forces that cross jurisdictional lines to act as a force multiplier in the fight to tackle the fentanyl epidemic. These task forces will be permitted to investigate deaths attributable to synthetic opioids as homicides, enabling them to target fentanyl dealers and traffickers more efficiently and effectively. Learn more
As governor, I will prohibit the state’s public higher education institutions from licensing university-owned intellectual property to Chinese-owned firms. Additionally, I will instruct the appropriate state agencies to prioritize the investigation of alleged intellectual property theft and work with the state legislature to strengthen penalties against the practice of stealing Hoosier intellectual property, including U.S. Firms that use predominately Chinese-manufactured parts and mislabel the resale of its products as made in the United States. Learn more
As governor, I will work with the state legislature to ban countries that pose a threat to the United States, such as China, from purchasing real property in Indiana, including farmland and commercial and retail property. This will extend to Chinese nationals and majority-owned or controlled China-based firms. Learn more
China’s dominance of the supply chain for semiconductors represents an economic and national security threat. As governor, I will continue to leverage Indiana’s world-class advanced manufacturing sector to further attract semiconductor manufacturing facilities, which became a state economic development priority during my tenure as Secretary of Commerce after the passage of U.S. Senator Todd Young’s CHIPS Act. Additionally, I will continue to support the United States’ independence from China in this vital industry by supporting the continued growth of the state’s academic and technical semiconductor training programs. Learn more
As governor, I will work with the state legislature to build and fund additional behavioral health centers so that offenders can receive the appropriate care and be placed on a path of recovery to prevent future offense. Learn more
As governor, I will modernize the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) and create a 10-year strategic plan to support the increased construction of all forms of housing across the state, including single and multi-family housing. Additionally, I will work with the state legislature to create a Revolving Down Payment Assistance Loan Fund, which can be repaid over 10 years or from the sale of the home in the first 10 years, and evaluate expanding the statutory definition of affordable housing above 80 percent of Area Median Income (AMI) to support the financing of newly constructed homes. Learn more
Roads, bridges, rails, trails, ports, and water should be viewed as more than just a way to get Hoosiers from place to place — they should be viewed as an economic development opportunity. That is why I will aim to increase collaboration and synergies between state agencies like the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) and Indiana Ports to capitalize on these opportunities and ensure the highest return on investment for our infrastructure spending. Learn more
I will also create a cabinet-level position that manages, optimizes and protects our most valuable resource — water — and on day one, begin the creation of a state water resource plan that will allow Indiana to strategically use its abundant water supply to grow our economy while ensuring a stable supply for local communities. Learn more
Aggressively finish the job on broadband, ensuring no community is considered underserved. Learn more
We will prioritize lowering and simplifying an array of taxes, especially property taxes. We will standardize and improve the understanding of property tax assessments in Indiana to combat the unpredictable increases in assessed values that have led to unexpected tax hikes on property owners. Additionally, we will evaluate the portability of the homestead property tax credit so that Hoosiers who move within the state can maintain their deduction. Learn more
Furthermore, I will propose extending the property tax relief granted by HEA 1499 (2023) beyond 2025. Learn more
Align the efforts of OCRA’s Indiana Main Street program with the IEDC’s Redevelopment Tax Credit to further encourage the rapid revitalization of communities. Learn more
Additionally, to encourage workforce participation, we must work to reinstate work requirements for able-bodied, working-age recipients of Medicaid and develop a plan that will allow the state to gradually reduce their benefits as their income increases so that the benefits do not become a disincentive to work, but rather a tool for maximizing earning potential. Learn more
But we also must ensure Hoosiers can enter the workforce, which means tackling Indiana’s ongoing child care availability and affordability crisis. We will explore strategic expansions of all-day Pre-K for three- and four-year-olds, including potentially increasing the income eligibility level for state-funded Pre-K programs, and create a state-level child care tax credit that requires recipients to work to be eligible to receive it. Beyond this, we must reevaluate the bureaucratic red tape surrounding child care and early childhood education — while prioritizing safety and well-being — and evaluate incentives for employer-sponsored child care solutions. Learn more
View your personalized ballot, check your voter registration, make a plan to vote, and research every name and measure on the ballot with BallotReady.