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. 

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