06/30/2008
Political promises past
Has Mitch Daniels kept his promises to small business?
Now that the primaries are over and there's a little lull in the political action, I thought it might be a good time to revisit the 2004 governor's race. Now, why would I want to look back when there are so many serious issues ahead of us?
I think it's important to look back for just that reason: the critical challenges we face. As a state and a nation, the road ahead of us is chocked full of potential land mines. We face a declining national economy fueled by an international oil crisis and a nationwide mortgage loan meltdown. Then add to this challenging obstacle course the national healthcare crisis, a bloated federal government, concern for the environment, a nation with little confidence in its president or congress, a federal government unable to secure our borders, and a myriad of other roadblocks, and we have a potential course to calamity. Indiana will need strong leadership to navigate us through these troubled times.
We're at a critical crossroads in a critical election year. As we prepare to move forward, it is imperative that we know where we've been. Gov. Daniels is running for reelection and asking the people of Indiana to rehire him for another four years. As with every political campaign, there were many promises made in 2004. As you may recall, Daniels made some significant promises to small business and NFIB endorsed Daniels that year. Therefore, let's take a look at the promises that were made in 2004. Has Daniels kept his promises to small business?
- New ventures promise. Support new business and job creation. In 2006, Daniels signed a bill authorizing regional venture capital funds. $170 million has been committed to Indiana-based life sciences and agriculture funds.
- 21st century jobs. Research and development sales tax exemption. In 2005, Gov. Daniels signed legislation which exempts sales and use tax for research and development equipment. Effective in 2008, the tax credit for the first $1 million of research development costs increased from 10 percent to 15 percent.
- "Buy Indiana" promise. Spend Hoosier tax dollars with Hoosier firms. In 2005, Daniels issued an executive order to spend Indiana tax dollars with Indiana firms wherever possible. When Daniels took office, 62 cents of every tax dollar was spent with Indiana companies. Today that number is 83 cents of every dollar.
- Grow Indiana promise. Promote Indiana agricultural products and grow agri-business. Daniels has been good to Hoosier farmers. Indiana is now a national leader in agricultural production and alternative energy. Daniels has promoted the production of biodiesel and established Bio-Town, USA, in Reynolds, Ind. Bio-Town is a program designed to make the town self-sufficient using ag products and by-products.
Okay, so the governor's looking good on the campaign promises. But what about the overall management of the state?
Daniels has cut the size of government. Some folks haven't been pleased with everything he's cut and everything he's changed, but you sure can't dispute the fact that he's turned things around. Daniels inherited a $200 million deficit and turned it into a $1 billion surplus.
A state surplus: I think this is a good place to be when trouble comes. And trouble is dead ahead. Trouble like a national recession. Trouble like natural disasters. Trouble like the lowest national Small Business Optimism Index since NFIB began tracking this data in 1980. We've got a tough road ahead for small business owners. I think we need a strong, innovative, proven, business leader when landmines litter the road ahead.
I believe we made the right choice in 2004.
The rumor mill
Gone, but not for good?
This year you may need a scorecard for it is the year of the switcheroo. Rep Jon Elrod did not file for reelection to his House seat so he could run for Congress. Now that he's decided that his campaign against Andre Carson is not winnable, he wants to be back on the ballot for his Indiana House seat.
And this one will make your head spin. Rep. Dennie Oxley II has given up his quest for reelection to the House so he can run for lieutenant governor. But that's not all. The plan seems to be that his dad, also named Dennie Oxley, will take his place on the ballot. If Dennie Jr. loses his bid for the number two slot and Dennie Sr. wins the House seat, will Dennie Sr. resign so Jr. can have the seat back?
Keeping track of these musical chairs makes my head hurt.
Dates to remember
July 25, 2008: Special Leadership Trust Event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 12-5 p.m.
Location: Suite in Legends Row during practice for the Brickyard 400. Limited space available.
Calling all NASCAR fans!
Oct. 7, 2008: NFIB/Indiana Leadership Council meeting.
And furthermore
Please give me your feedback. I enjoy hearing from you and I appreciate your comments. Thank you for being an NFIB member and for reading "Capitol Capers."
Barbara Quandt
NFIB Indiana State Director
317-638-4447
Barbara.Quandt@nfib.org
