Indiana Democratic Party 8-1-15 Weekly Radio Address

Indiana Democratic Chair John Zody questions whether Gov. Mike Pence’s term as governor is just one big “great misunderstanding”?

TRANSCRIPT:

• This is Chairman John Zody, bringing you the weekly podcast for the Indiana Democratic Party

• This week, Governor Mike Pence held a town hall in Fort Wayne where he was supposed to answer questions from Hoosiers

• You’d think he would be candid with the answers to those questions. But this event was more like a practice test for a campaign ad as Gov. Pence continued to not share the whole story with Hoosiers about the economy, the education, and the overall well-being of Indiana.

• When asked whether he’d raise the minimum wage, Gov. Pence claimed everything he’s done is driving wages up in Indiana.

• However, with his help to repeal the common construction wage law and with Hoosiers making 86 cents to every one American dollar – the well-being of our middle class is getting worse.

• Pence defended his call to increase funds for the state’s voucher system. This move comes after the media reported that more than half of all voucher recipients never set foot in a public school.

• Further, Gov. Pence double down on his call to increase a state charter school system after it was revealed Hoosier taxpayers were forced to foot the remaining debts of some schools who closed their doors.

• And finally, Gov. Pence said RFRA was a “great misunderstanding.” But how was a $250 million economic panic a misunderstanding?

• Simply put, Governor Pence may meet with Hoosiers, but he leaves them wondering if their questions were even answered when the meeting is done.

• Also this week, Governor Pence claimed he would never make jobs a partisan issue.

• Does he forget his campaign spent $50,000 to repeal the state’s common construction wage law?

• Since Indiana ranks 38^th in per capita income, this repeal gives out of state contractors an unfair advantage over Hoosier businesses and skilled workers.

• The repeal could lead to wages being driven down for construction projects across the state. But Hoosiers should expect this because time and again Gov. Pence has shown us that he will always put his ideology ahead of solving today’s problems for the hardworking family in Indiana.

• We have to keep fighting if we want to make sure all Hoosiers have a voice in the state of Indiana.

• Whether it’s fighting to close the wage gap, bringing equal pay for women and minorities, securing a statewide Pre-K system, or protecting the overall well-being of Indiana – Democrats will tirelessly fight to lead Indiana into the future.

• Democrats will work every day to bring commonsense solutions that will unite our state and improve the lives of all hardworking families across Indiana.

• Thank you for listening.