GiaQuinta comments on 2022 State of the State Address

INDIANAPOLIS – House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) today issued a statement following Governor Eric Holcomb’s 2022 State of the State address. 

“Governor Holcomb's address was a stark contrast from his colleagues in the legislature,” GiaQuinta said. “I appreciate his willingness to focus on issues important to Hoosiers, not political games and divisive, hyper-partisan agendas. 

“I’m proud of Indiana’s resiliency and better than expected economic position given the challenges presented by the ongoing pandemic. Our state was given unique opportunities for critical quality-of-life investments thanks to the ‘Biden Boom.’ Federal Democrats’ passage of the American Rescue Plan Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act helped increase teacher pay, provided funding for READI grants, and invested in roads and crucial infrastructure in all 92 Hoosier counties. 

“However, there is still work to be done. While billions remain in the state surplus the household debt of average Hoosiers ballooned by over $8 billion. Indiana is often in the national spotlight for poor public health outcomes, environment and other quality-of-life rankings.  

“It was concerning to hear Holcomb’s desire to put off critical financial investments for another year despite a $5 billion surplus. Hoosiers can’t wait for another budget session, nor should they have to. The people’s money should be invested in a way that improves their lives and our state. 

“It would be a mistake to take our foot off the gas while Hoosiers continue to struggle.”