As Indiana Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Gregg and his running mate State Rep. Christina Hale blazing the campaign trail visiting Hoosier cities across the state leading up to the general election, Hale stopped off in Munster to get a taste of conditions small businesses are facing in Northwest Indiana.
Hale toured the Three Floyds Brewery in Munster on Wednesday afternoon and consulted with the owners and employees about the economic needs and potential work force issues that small businesses face.
“Northwest Indiana, the region, the economy is so important to the overall fiscal health of our state,” Hale said.
Hale, a Michigan City native, said because of her local roots she has an affinity for the region and wants to see it thrive economically.
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“John Gregg and I have a plan for economic development and one of the pillars for that plan is supporting entrepreneurship,” she said. “So any chance I can get to hear personally, firsthand from entrepreneurs that are doing great things in our state, it’s really the best part.”
She said Gregg’s economic growth plan would eliminate the 21st Century Research and Technology Fund and redistribute its $40 million to create the Hoosier Growth and Opportunity Fund, or GO Fund, to assist Indiana-based business startups. Additionally, the plan aims to implement a work share program that would allow businesses during an economic downturn to reduce employee hours in lieu of layoffs. The reduction in pay would then be supplemented by the unemployment insurance system.
Hale and Gregg are facing off against Republican candidates Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb and his running mate, state Auditor Suzanne Crouch.
“It’s really about listening and learning,” Jeff Harris, communications director for the Gregg/Hale campaign said, adding the Democratic candidates “want to hear from business owners the things the state can be doing better.”
“We have a plan and visiting these business owners will only help us with legislation moving forward,” Hale said.
Chris Boggess, Three Floyds’ head brewer, said he was honored that Hale was interested in visiting their business.
“I think it’s cool when you have a heavy hitter in the government that wants to visit your facility,” he said. “She’s pro-small business and that’s a good thing.”
During her visit, Hale reflected on the responsibilities she would inherit if Gregg wins the election in November.
“One of the duties of lieutenant governor is tourism throughout the state,” she said. “This place is not only about really good beer and incredible food, it’s about tourism. It’s about attracting people from across the state border, creating a sense of place and civic pride and all of those things makeup a real success story.”
Twitter @JavonteA