My Gov
Mitch announces plans for first 100 days in office
By John
Francis, THG News
November 7, 2004
Showing the state he is a
man that does not believe in wasting time, governor-elect Mitch Daniels
announced Sunday his plan for his first 100 days in office. Some of the
highlights:
Cut taxes.
Daniels plans on working with the State Budget Agency to lower taxes by as much
as 80%. “If we trim the fat and have a more efficient government, it will be in
the best interests of Indiana’s
economy.”
Introduce initiatives
designed to spread the availability of broadband Internet to rural areas.
Daniels wants to limit government
regulation of broadband Internet, speed up the process of granting permits to
companies who will expand broadband infrastructure, help private companies
expand broadband, and appoint a chief technology officer. Daniels believes
these initiatives are important so every small town from South Bend to
Evansville will have access to his jazzy “My Gov Mitch” website.
Create an Office of Gay
Affairs. Like all politicians,
Daniels believes that it is important to give lip service to all minority
groups in the state to keep them from stirring up trouble. Hopefully this will
shut them up and maybe even get the governor a few more votes in 2008.
Increase the size of
the Indiana National Guard.
Republicans believe that a strong military is necessary for our protection and
for deterrence. Daniels plans on doubling the size of the Guard and purchasing
military hardware so it will be able to defend Hoosiers from rogue states like Kentucky
and Michigan. Fifteen percent of Daniels’ budget would go to unspecified “black
operations”.
Hire an image
consultant for the state. Daniels
realizes that the rest of the Midwest sees Indiana as Cousin Eddie to their
Clark Griswold. To change this image, Daniels will hire an image consultant for
the state. If this is successful and Indiana becomes a travelers’ hot spot, it
will bring in millions of tourism dollars for the state.
Postpone talks with the
Indianapolis Colts about a building a new stadium.
“When they get a defense, then we’ll talk,” said Daniels.
Increase the education
budget. In a surprise move, Daniels
says he will give more money to public schools in the state. Daniels: “If
schools are privatized and kids still do not learn up to expectations, those
that support school choice will look like total jackasses.”
Decriminalize
prostitution. Don’t get Daniels
wrong, he is a moral, churchgoing man but sacrifices have to be made if his
tax-cut proposal is going to work. Daniels believes he can cut funding to the
state’s law enforcement agencies by making this “victimless crime” legal.
Indiana’s constitution
mandates that a newly elected governor is to take office on the second Monday in
January. The Mitch Daniels era will begin in the Hoosier State
on January 10.
