Gov. Mike Braun delivered his first State of the State address Monday night, focusing on tax cuts for Hoosiers, maximizing efficiency and fairness in the government, cracking down on illegal immigration and lowering the cost of health care.
“We were all elected by Hoosiers to get results,” Braun said. “Will we treat this moment as a plateau or as a foundation to build something truly exceptional? Now is the time to be bold and think out of the box. We can do it through big ideas, collaboration and above all: action.”
Community leaders and constituents across the state responded to Braun’s messaging across business, education and political sectors of the Hoosier workforce.
Indiana Black Legislative Caucus Chair State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago)
“Tonight, we heard from Gov. Braun that he believes diversity and equality are cornerstones of what makes America great. That’s interesting, because just days into his administration, he signed an executive order banning diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices from state agencies.

”Let’s see some action from the governor by reversing his executive order to reinstate equity and fairness in our state agencies and make it clear that Indiana values diversity. Across the state, we’ve heard our constituents worry about how they’re going to afford their prescriptions and their groceries, their struggles to find a safe home and how to help their children get a good education. With his executive orders, Braun has shown the Hoosier people where his priorities lie. We are concerned with making life easier for the people of Indiana, not targeting our most marginalized citizens.”
Indiana Chamber
“We agree with the governor that big ideas and collaboration are needed. Two of his agenda items are prime examples of both. The Hoosier Workforce Investment Tax Credit would serve as a big catalyst for businesses to invest in the development of their workers and for those individuals to then earn higher wages. Establishing the Office of Entrepreneurship would allow the state to facilitate much more entrepreneurial activity and emphasize its commitment to small businesses.
“We look forward to working with the governor and lawmakers on these issues and a variety of policies to make the state a place where even more people want to live and work.”

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne)
“I found several points of agreement with Gov. Braun tonight. He’s right that Hoosiers are barely keeping their heads above water due to the rising cost of living. And we agree that Hoosiers are paying too much for health care, and we need to address each aspect of the health care industry individually to bring down costs.
“However, Gov. Braun says local government can do more with less. But when you’re having a heart attack and call 911, do you want the people coming to help you to be doing more with less? Do you want them underfunded? I think no.
”Finally, the Republican property tax plan is a farce. The proposals we’ve seen so far shift more of the burden of funding our schools, police and first responders to local government. That means Hoosiers will continue to pay more in taxes, just to a different entity. It’s a bait and switch attempt for Republicans to blame cities and counties for rising costs and run for reelection on cutting taxes.”

State Sen. Aaron Freeman (R-Indianapolis)
”I agree with Gov. Braun that Indiana has the potential to accomplish great things if the opportunities are seized.
“I am proud to work with Gov. Braun’s administration and his team as we continue being tougher on crime and keeping public safety and police resources at the forefront.”
State Sen. Cyndi Carrasco (R-Indianapolis)

“Gov. Braun noted our strong desire to get results, and I believe that the state of Indiana is strong, and the 2025 legislative session has the opportunity to make great changes.”
To watch the full State of the State address, visit in.gov/gov.
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Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.