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Crouch was in Michigan City on Thursday to speak to the Michigan City Rotary Club. Crouch spoke for about 20 minutes as the Club's guest speaker for the week, and talked not only about the progress of the state of Indiana, but also the progress of Michigan City.
“I'm sincerely grateful for the contributions that you all have made as both business and civic leaders. All too often the entrepreneurs and the builders do not get the appreciation and the thanks that they deserve. Because you are the risk takers, who are blazing a trail, your the ones who have the vision,” she said.
Crouch, who became lieutenant governor in January, also spoke to the civility of the General Assembly's legislative session, which she said was the most civil legislative session she has ever been apart of.
“I have been associated with the Indiana General Assembly for 12 years, eight years as a state representative, three years as auditor of state, and now as lieutenant governor, and I will share this with you, this has been the most collaborative, civil, and productive session that I have ever been a part of. I attribute that to the leadership of Gov. Holcomb, but also to the bipartisan cooperation of the Indiana General Assembly,” she said.
Crouch focused mainly on the agenda of Gov. Eric Holcomb, the “Next Level Agenda.” Crouch said much progress has been made in the state, but there is still no time to rest.
“It is focused on raising Hoosiers up and enriching their lives,” she said. “It is focused on five pillars: One, strengthening our economy; two, improving and upgrading our infrastructure; three, enhancing our education and developing a 21st century workforce; four, attacking, attacking, attacking the drug epidemic; and five, continuing to deliver great government service at a great tax payer value. I believe that each of these goals intersect with the goals of local employers and civic leaders. These polices are about investing in people.”
Crouch said Indiana is in a “great place,” highlighting a low unemployment rate, a Triple-A credit rating from all three major credit rating bureaus, and according to Crouch, leading the nation in advanced manufacturing.
“We are doing things right here in Indiana,” she said.
While discussing improving the state's infrastructure, Crouch talked at length about the South Shore Lines, double tracking project, which, according to Crouch, will cut the travel time from Chicago to Michigan City in half.
“We are committed to double tracking the South Shore Rail Line,” she said. “Signed by the Governor earlier this year, the legislature is committing millions in state dollars, along with local and federal dollars, to the tune of a $290 million investment. This is going to make Northwest Indiana an even more attractive place to live, and to bring increased business development, particular from our neighbors in Illinois.”
Crouch also said the project has brought local governments together and caused them to work collaboratively. She also reminded those gathered that she, and the Governor, are committed to helping the people of not only Northwest Indiana, but Michigan City as well.
“The double tracking project has demonstrated that Northwest Indiana leaders have the vision to work together, and to bring economic good for everyone,” she said. We must continue to work together, to make sure that the people who call Northwest Indiana and Michigan City their home are not left behind.”
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Daniel Mitten Agent, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
Discussing the five pillars of Holcomb
