Gov. Braun Highlights Jobs and Wages, Education Freedom, and Outdoor Recreation in Visits Across Indiana Last Week

Indiana Governor Mike Braun traveled across Indiana last week to highlight education freedom, manufacturing growth, Indiana tourism, and strong local communities. 

“Last week I saw evidence of how Indiana is strong and growing. I welcomed U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to celebrate Indiana leading the way on education freedom, met with manufacturers investing in their communities, local business leaders helping to create jobs for Hoosiers, and celebrated 100 years of an icon of Indiana outdoor recreation: Indiana Beach.” - Governor Mike Braun

On Tuesday, June 16, Governor Braun joined U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon in Indianapolis to celebrate the U.S. Department of Education’s approval of Indiana’s Returning Education to the States Waiver. The waiver gives Indiana greater flexibility to use federal education dollars, allows the state to consolidate five federal funding streams, and reduces compliance costs so nearly $20 million can be redirected from bureaucratic red tape to classrooms over four years. The waiver also gives Indiana more flexibility to prioritize college and career readiness in its high school accountability system.

Later that day, Governor Braun joined local business leaders at a luncheon in Lake County for a fireside chat with Hobart Chamber of Commerce President John Yelkich. The event brought together approximately 120 members of the Hobart-area business community for a direct conversation with the Governor.

Governor Braun also visited Hammond Machine Works, a fourth-generation, family-owned manufacturer that has operated in Hammond for 118 years. Governor Braun met with owner Peter Nau and toured the facility, which recently completed an expansion and modernization project.

On Wednesday, June 17, Governor Braun traveled to White County to present a proclamation recognizing Indiana Beach’s 100th anniversary. For a century, Indiana Beach has created family memories on Lake Shafer while supporting tourism, jobs, outdoor recreation, and local pride in the community. Governor Braun was joined by Mayor Aaron Sims of Monticello. 

On Friday, June 19, Governor Braun visited Trusted Manufacturing in Ossian for a facility tour and roundtable with company leaders and local economic development officials. The family-owned company is undertaking a 44,000-square-foot expansion, reflecting continued investment in manufacturing and job growth in Wells County.

Governor Braun concluded the day in Berne with a visit to Swiss Village Retirement Community. He joined a roundtable on the nonprofit community’s history, toured the facility, and spoke with residents. Swiss Village provides a continuum of care that helps residents age in place as their needs change.

For pictures of the Governor at events across Indiana, click here.