STATEHOUSE (June 30, 2010) – Gov. Mitch Daniels deserves credit not criticism for creating a strong job climate for Hoosiers, according to Senate Appropriations Chair Luke Kenley (R-Noblesville).  

Kenley questioned recent political criticisms of the state’s job growth and pointed to a June 19, 2010, article of the Wall Street Journal identifying Indiana’s economic successes as best in the nation.  

“Indiana has seen the largest percentage in jobs through the year, rising 1.9 percent on a surge in manufacturing jobs,” the Journal reported.     

Kenley cited Daniels’ work with lawmakers to control state spending and avoid new taxes as major attractions for new and retained employers. 

He clarified confusion some critics may have regarding rewards new and expanding employers are sometimes offered.

 “With the national recession, it is understandable some jobs have not come to Indiana as fast as we would like. However, many job-inducements Indiana successfully offers come in the form of rewards – after the jobs are created. You might not know this by listening to the critics.” 

Kenley pointed out where upfront monies are used and jobs do not materialize, a state law allows officials to seek refunds of incentives. Such claw backs, as they are known, may be in proportion to the degree of default by the recipient.   

State lawmakers are becoming more engaged in economic development efforts than at any time in state history, Kenley said. 

“House Enrolled Act 1086, passed this year, provides for an in-depth review by a bipartisan panel of best practices in state and local economic development policies,” Kenley said. “This first-ever state study will look closely at the use and effectiveness of tax credits and deductions, whether there are any specific sectors of the economy for which Indiana might have comparative advantages and the extent to which Indiana’s tax laws encourage business investment.”  

Kenley said both House Speaker Pat Bauer (D-South Bend) and Senate President Pro Tem David Long (R-Fort Wayne) will each name a co-chair to this important interim study committee. 

“State leaders all have important jobs to do on behalf of the people of Indiana – especially for our unemployed and underemployed,” Kenley said. “I think Hoosiers appreciate the hard work of the Daniels’ administration and see political gamesmanship for what it is. Especially now, we all need to do our parts to promote Indiana to outside employers, not tear down our state’s efforts and qualities.”