Winning federal partnerships on Clean Hydrogen, microelectronics and biotechnology manufacturing and also discusses his goal to raise the average salary for teachers to 60,000 a year. Governor holcomb was first elected in 2016. He is term limited and cannot seek a third consecutive term in 2024. [ applause ] mr. Speaker, mr. President , madam chief justice, lieutenant governor, members of the General Assembly and my fellow hoosiers, it is indeed an honor and privilege to report to you again for the eighth time on the state of our beloved state. A year ago i stood right here, and i promised you that i would work harder than ever to continue to improve the prospects for every person that calls indiana home. Today i stand before you again, and i renew that same promise until the conclusion of my assigned duty. Together with those in this chamber weve accomplished a lot for sure. But there is so much work to be done ahead. And as a former navy man, im drawn to a motto embraced by grace hopper, one of the first female admirals in the United States navy. And i quote, a ship in port is safe, but that is not what ships are built for. In that same spirit, i do not plan to safely stay anchored in port for the next 12 months. After all, standing still is not what we are built for here in indiana. So to frame up our time here tonight and going forward, id like to talk about something i call the indiana model which guides all the work that weve been doing together to create lasting generational change on the very Foundation Laid by our pioneering predecessors. Already it has enabled us to take indiana to the next level, as youve heard me call it just a few times, thats because the indiana model seeks excellence, rejecting any notion that a midwestern vowel state would be content with mediocrity and instead takes giant leaps instead of baby steps. It hinges on collaboration among the public, private and philanthropic sectors, between our administration and the legislature across all levels of government, and its hoosier wide, tossing aside any distinction between indy and the rest. Nearly every step forward weve made during these last seven years has followed the indiana model, a remarkable team effort. So please give yourself and our statewide partners a big round of applause on a job well done. [ applause ] now, for any state or organization for that matter to constantly seek to improve, its imperative to note whats going on around you, whats changed, whats changing and what still needs to change. So lets start with whats changed in indiana over the last seven years. First we can finally answer that tired old question that used to be a head scratcher. What is indiana known for beyond great stuff like the indy 500 and larry bird and a whole lot of corn . Today the answers abound. Were now known for advanced manufacturing, for being a top 10ag state, a leader in plant, animal and life sciences, a top convention destination, a logistic and phrase hub, a top state in the nation for infrastructure, and were on the edge of collaborative r d across artificial intelligence, semiconductors, data centers, hard tech corridors, Nuclear Medicine and energy and so much more. Its no surprise that forbes ranked indiana last year as the number one state in america to start a business. [ applause ] at the at the same time we remain one of the lowest cost of living states in the nation. Since 2017, our gdp has grown by over 150 billion. Our private Sector Employment is up by 200,000 to an alltime high, while our unemployment rolls remain at historic lows. Our population is growing faster than every state we border. We paid down 4. 5 billion in debt, returned 1. 5 billion to taxpayers, all while maintaining prudent reserves to keep our triplea state credit rating. [ applause ] obviously, ladies and gentlemen, i dont need to tell you, but im proud to, the state of our state, indiana, is strong. [ applause ] and the rest of the world has taken notice, and they want in on it. Consider the recognition indiana received last year when we were one of only three states out of all 50 that ran the table to win all three big federal partnerships, a Clean Hydrogen hub, electronics, microelectronics hub and a biotech manufacturing hub. Each will result in millions in new investment and thousands of good, highpaying jobs, and they positioned indiana to benefit disproportionately from americas renewed focus on defenserelated manufacturing and our reshoring strategy. [ applause ] you want some more evidence . Consider the jawdropping 28. 7 billion in committed Capital Investment last year which brought indiana over 50 billion in just the last two years through our Economic Development effort. [ applause ] what took us 12 years before, from 2005 to 2016, we did more than that in just the last two years. Thats called indiana momentum, and weve got a lot more coming. And these new jobs come with alltime high wage levels, averaging over 75,000 a year, much higher than the local and national averages. And allow me to be a myth buster here about where this investment is going. Rural and mixed Rural Counties won big, capturing 18. 7 billion in Capital Commitments and more than 15,000 new jobs over just the last two years, a special thanks to all of you in the General Assembly who recognized the need and provided the indiana Economic Development corporation with the tools necessary to allow our entire state to grow alongside our local leaders. Were proving now our communities are able to define their own destinies. Another particular bright spot last year was the second investment by starplus energy, the joint venture between samsung sdi and stellantis in kokomo where theyre building two e. V. Battery factors, ultimately creating thousands of new jobs, along with samsung sdis similar investment with general motors, straight up 31 in new carlisle. All three of these total over 9 million in new investment. Thank you, mr. Kim, starplus energys newlyappointed ceo. We could not be more humbleled and appreciative of the faith and trust that you put in our state, and we will reinvest in you and your work force. Thank you so much [ applause ] im just as proud of indianas longstanding relationships with japan and with israel who honor us this evening with their diplomatic president. Please welcome consul general of japan and consul general of israel. [ applause ] our hearts are with your people, our friends affected by the recent tragedies in japan and council general, cohen, please know we continue to pray for the safety and security for all those who call the holy land home, and we pay for the prospect of lasting peace. [ applause ] back home in indiana, lets move on to whats changing for the better. Businesses and individuals are thriving in indiana because we operate in a Continuous Improvement mode. For starters, we cut our personal income taxes again to 3. 05 on the way down to 2. 9 . [ applause ] military members will no longer pay state taxes on their military income or pension. [ applause ] our state police and Law Enforcement officials finally got the salary boost they deserve. [ applause ] and indianas Venture Capital ecosystem, including our force multiplying 250 million next level fund and elevate ventures ranks among the most active in the great lakes region. Thats why investments in innovation with global reach, for that matter, can be found in every corner of our state, like up in warsaw where Zimmer Biomet developed a smart knee that automatically checks in with your doctor, to honeyburn down south where o. S. F. Is changing the game of furniture manufacturing with the help of german robots. So right here close in speedway where the famed italian company, delara makes hightech seeds for spacex astronauts. [ applause ] and, ladies and gentlemen, the positive change continues. This is the year our Graduation Rates will continue to go up, and thanks to the historic investments this body has made, average teacher pay across the state will reach our salary goal of 60,000 a year. Thank you. [ applause ] this is the year well plant our 1 millionth tree on arbor day ahead of schedule. This is the year well continue to put down some 280 miles of trails in all parts of our state, making indiana a recognized trail leader. This is the year we finish connecting over 70,000 households and businesses, completely the 320 Million Investment in the next level broadband investment program, and thats before we launch an even bigger, larger 800 million federally backed program for every hoosier who still lacks fast, affordable internet access. This is the year, yes, it is finally here, when i69 directly connects indianapolis to evansville. [ applause ] you shot up fast. Indot has led this partnership with our private sector partners, and i am so proud that we are approaching the final mile of construction after decades of discussion. This is the year when we finish double tracking the shout shore line between gary and michigan city. This is another big deal. [ applause ] this is a year our rest stops are converted into true welcome centers. This is the year we move aggressively on huge Capital Projects that have been on the drawing board gathering dust for years, including a new prison in westville, a new archives building, a new crime lab, a stateoftheart Law Enforcement academy, co locating our world class deaf and blind schools and building the first new state park lodge since 1939 in our state up at potato creek state park. [ applause ] and this is the year when our communities start to really leverage the second round of ready funding that this assembly made possible. [ applause ] the first round of 500 million leveraged in a 12. 1 billion in public, private and nonprofit investment, over 4 billion in housing infrastructure alone, and im confident of a similar outcome during this next round. Actually, based on what im about to reveal, i have a feeling well far exceed even our most hopeful projections. Tonight im so proud to announce the lily endowment. Well be making the single largest grant award in its 86 year history, 250 million to support ready 2. 0 projects focused on blight reduction, redevelopment and arts and cultural initiatives throughout our entire state. [ applause ] let me offer a few thousand more thank yous to the lily endowment and janet hill, the president there and clay robins for both v your stewardship of an organization that once again shows why it is such an essential partner to us here in indiana in making our state the place we all want it to be for generations to come. Jen et, thank you, thank you, thank you for being here tonight and everyday forward. [ applause ] along with ready 2. 0 and recognizing health is wealth, our Health First Indiana program, the nations largest, most substantial new commitment to Public Health will further empower indiana counties to create tailored actions. By the way, the first 75 million you all appropriated has just been distributed to the 86 counties that opted in. And i fully realize there is a long way to go here, but lets acknowledge that were starting to make progress against drug addiction. You in this chamber helped create new tools such as 385 more beds for residential addiction, for treatment, naloxone distribution, the 988 and crisis lifeline and an online treatment finder for anyone, anytime seeking to recover. [ applause ] due to these efforts and so many others, recent reporting shows statewide Drug Overdose deaths dropped statewide 5 year over year. This is progress. [ applause ] and a special thank you to chief justice rush and our judiciary for also making Transformational Technology and administrative improvements in connecting with all those we serve who are trying to and working so hard to restore their lives. Thank you, madam chief justice. [ applause ] now, alongside the key roles that our public and private partners play, its the everyday citizens who step up and improve the lives of others that are the most essential to the fly wheel effect of the indiana model. For instance, a few months back, i attended an event at indianas war memorial. A young lady introduced herself and shared an observation that immediately rang true. The license plate we offer our gold star families didnt really convey the full meaning of the sacrifice these hoosier families have made. Lauren compaveich did not shy away when i asked if she would help us come up with a worthy gold star family plate. Several months later, thanks to her willingness to collaborate with our bureau of motor vehicles, a much more powerful tribute exists. Laurens everlasting contribution will appropriately honor those who gave us their sons and daughters, their husbands and wives, and her feelings could not have been more personal. You see, lauren lost her husband, matthew, in a nato training accident in 2022. Lauren and matthews mother, lisa, are here with us this evening. And, ladies, we join you in honoring matt and too many others that have made that same sacrifice. Ladies and gentlemen, this is what real citizenship looks like up close and personal. [ applause ] and finally in an attitude of gratitude, lets continue to live up to the indiana model in this legislative session ahead by addressing what still needs to change. Here are a few commitments i believe we must make this year. We must improve policies around third grade reading to make sure that every child masters this essential skill. We must prepare our students for a digitally driven world by requiring Computer Science to graduate from high school. We must work with our public universities to make college even more accessible by creating more threeyear and associate degree options. We must expand our child care work force to help more working moms and dads in indiana. We must update the state Disaster Relief fund to make it easier for local communities to access the funds they need. And we must build better awareness of our states next level jobs programs. Theres so many of them. And well do that through a campaign were calling one stop to start, helping people obtain one of the many high paying, lifechanging Jobs Available right now throughout our state. I ask for your partnership in making these things happen because we must never forget how much the work of Good Governance matters to those who sent us here in the first place. [ applause ] ladies and gentlemen, im excited about 2024. Im convinced that it will shine a light on many other examples of how the indiana model is boosting economic outcomes, vaulting our infrastructure into the 21st century vanguard. And most importantly, improving lives through new opportunities. And while earthly governance cannot take credit for it, i must mention a 2024 event that will draw even more attention to indiana when the biggest spotlight of them all, the sun is turned off for several minutes. So dont even think about being away from indiana on april 8th when were in the direct path of a total solar eclipse. [ applause ] my friends, a new year brings about reflection and preparation for whats next. I only wish our buddy, henry, were here with us to do just that. Term limited, though i am, here are my promises to you for 2024. My administration will not be a ship in port. Instead, we will deploy on multiple fronts until my last day and hour as your governor, owning the indiana model. I am staking my reputation to it. We will find constructive answers to any unforeseen challenges that arise, and we will move from ideas to implementation during these times of great transformation. And i will continue to listen, as i have done for seven years now, to any and all partners who share a love for indiana and believe in our future. Indiana is a wonderful place to live, to breathe, to work, to raise a family. Its a wonderful place to help lead. My fellow hoosiers, if i live long enough to need a smart knee or two, i will regard the privilege of having served as your governor as the honor of a lifetime. With all my heart, i thank you for it. Good evening, and may god bless, and now lets get back to work and run up the score in 2024. Thank you. [ applause ] [ applause ] healthy democracy doesnt just look like this. It looks like this where americans can see democracy at work, when citizens are truly informed, a republic thrives. Get informed straight from the source on cspan, unfiltered, unbiased, word for word, from the Nations Capital to wherever you are, its the opinion that matters the most is your own. That this is what democracy looks like, cspan, powered by cable. Today a look at the u. S. Withdrawal from afghanistan with testimony from retired general mark milley, the former chair of the joint chiefs of staff and retired general ken it mcinzy, the former commander of u. S. Central command. Watch the House Foreign AffairsCommittee Live at 1 00 p. M. Eastern on cspan 3. Cspan now, our free mobile video app or online at cspan. Org. Friday nights watch cspans 2024 campaign trail, a weekly roundup of cspans campaign coverage, providing a onestop shop to discover what the candidates across the country are saying to voters, along with firsthand accounts from political reporters, updated poll numbers, fundraising data and campaign ads. Watch cspans 2024 campaign trail friday night at 7 30 p. M. Eastern on cspan, online at cspan. Org or download the podcast on cspan now, our free mobile app or wherever you get your podcast. Cspan, your unfiltered view of politics. And now Justice Department assistant attorney general for civil rights kristen