GOSHEN —
Gov. Mitch Daniels said he is hopeful the Legislature can return to normal in light of what appears to be the end of an 18-month political logjam over the ultra-divisive right-to-right bill.
Daniels spoke to nearly 300 people at Greencroft Friday during a luncheon hosted by the Goshen Rotary Club in what marked the first time a sitting governor had ever spoken before club members.
“I just hope that we can quickly get past this, take a deep breath and get about the business of bringing jobs in for people that don’t have jobs,” Daniels said after his speech and a question-and-answer session with the Rotarians.
The legislation would prohibit unions from collecting dues from employees who choose not to join the union. The House cleared the bill Wednesday and the Senate is expected to pass the bill within days, clearing the way for Daniels’ signature.
He said he doesn’t believe anger among Democrats will linger.
“My sense is that they made their gesture that they were entitled to make … but they seemed to get back to business yesterday,” Daniels said. “They moved a lot of important bills that had been backed up. My hope is they finish the session in that same spirit.”
He downplayed the possibility of union-backed protests becoming a large distraction during the upcoming Super Bowl week in Indianapolis. Super Bowls often attract protesters and Daniels said he hopes those participating will remain in the pre-designated protest areas.
“I think in their own self-interest, the unions will be very careful not to over-play this,” Daniels said. “I think it would backfire on them.”
In addition to the apparent RTW victory, Daniels’ appearance in Goshen comes just two days after delivering the Republican response to President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address.
And even with Indianapolis just nine days away from hosting the long-coveted Super Bowl, the governor downplayed any sense of grand satisfaction with recent events.
“It was an important week,” Daniels said. “I’m also very glad that the logjam has been broken.”
Daniels declined to predict how many jobs, if any, the legislation will help create, but predicted it will result in even more opportunities for attracting industry.
Supporters of RTW have argued the bill will result in more companies possibly locating in Indiana.
Daniels said he thinks RTW will help build upon the state’s recent success in attracting industry.
“If we can grow the number of those opportunities, there have got to be more jobs in it,” Daniels said. “I’m excited about getting started.”
Much of Friday’s speech by the former budget director for President George W. Bush focused on economic success the state has enjoyed in recent years under his administration. Daniels highlighted statistics with a lengthy list of charts displayed on a video screen and two other wide-screen TVs.
Despite a tough economy in recent years, Daniels said the state has balanced its budget and begun building up reserves, in part, through spending cuts.
He said his administration is determined to leave the next administration with the most efficient, effective state government possible and that policy changes in recent years have set the stage for that to happen.
He also credited the lease of the Indiana Toll Road for helping the state fund a large amount of new road construction.
Daniels downplayed his role in national politics even though he was urged to run for president just months ago and continues to hear requests.
He said he does not want or expect the eventual Republican presidential nominee to ask him to join the ticket. He said he can name a dozen different reasons why somebody else would make a better choice for vice president.
He said he has not watched a single moment from any of the 19 or so Republican debates.
He also said he’s not interested in delivering a speech during the National Republican Convention this summer.
“Believe me, I will not be campaigning for it,” Daniels quipped, adding he might “Just shut the cell phone off two weeks before.”
Breaking News
Related Photos
-
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels makes his entrance into Greencroft Goshen Community Center with Goshen Rotary members Bob Schrock, left, and Todd Eby. Daniels gave about a 15-minute keynote speech during the luncheon before opening the floor to questions from the Rotarians. Sam Householder
Governor tells Rotarians he hopes Legislature can return to normal business
- Breaking News
-
-
New ambulance rates moving forward
NAPPANEE — Nappanee City Council members on Tuesday voted to approve an ordinance amending ambulance rates and charges on second reading. There is still one more reading before the new rates become official.
-
Joan Collaso concert Friday at Lerner
Emmy award winner Joan Collaso will return to Elkhart for a performance at the Lerner Theatre Friday.
-
COLUMN: A tree with a history tied to Kunderd gladiolus farm
Years ago, there was an enormous gladiolus farm along U.S. 33, just north of Goshen. Its acres were covered with flowers — red, pink, yellow, purple and shades in between.
-
Noise to get a second look
MIDDLEBURY — Although a noise complaint leveled against an established grocery store in Middlebury has been met with cooperation from the store owner in resolving the problem for now, the complaint is leading to a full-fledged review of the town’s existing noise ordinance.
-
Murderer of Goshen man sentenced to 65 years
The man accused of killing a Goshen business owner last fall was sentenced to 65 years in prison during an Elkhart Circuit Court Hearing this morning at the Elkhart County Jail.
-
Plan targets college completion
Indiana higher-education policy makers are getting ready to adopt an aggressive college-completion plan that will push the state’s colleges and universities to reel in their rising costs and dramatically improve their graduation rates.
-
Blaze destroys Syracuse boat business
Firefighters from four departments responded to battle a blaze at a boat business at the south end of Lake Wawasee late Monday.
-
UPDATE: Funding plan passes
After an emotionally charged debate that lasted nearly two hours Tuesday night, the Goshen City Council voted to provide funding to bailout the Goshen Housing Authority by a vote of 6-1.
-
City Council votes to fund housing agency bailout
After an emotionally charged debate, the Goshen City Council voted to provide funding to bail out the Goshen Housing Authority Tuesday night by a vote of 6-1.
-
Watch portion sizes, plate sizes for healthy eating
February is a great month to remind you to take a look at your eating. Is it as healthy as it should be?
- More Breaking News Headlines
-
Romney, Santorum Assail Each Other in GOP Debate
New Radar Confirms Tornadoes Faster
Police: Wash. School Shooting Accidental
Fitness Program Improves Lives of Mentally Ill
NJ Officials Blast NYPD Over Spying Report
2nd Degree Murder Verdict in Lacrosse Slaying
GOP Rivals Pass Contraception Debate, Hit Obama
Romney, Santorum Swap Charges in 20th Debate
Raw Video: Guilty Verdict in UVa Lacrosse Death
$5 Gas Coming to Pumps Near You?
Raw Video: French Police Release Strauss-Kahn
Ga. Spa Shooting Leaves 5 Dead, Victims Related
2 More Western Journalists Die in Syria
7 Killed As Afghan Quran Protests Turn Violent
Santorum Goes After Obama on Energy
Judge Says Lindsay Lohan in the "Home Stretch"
Father Accused of Using Leash on 11 Year Old
Obama Helps Break Ground on Black History Museum
Raw Video: Dozens Dead in Argentina Train Crash
Wounded Vets Regain Some Camaraderie in Kitchen
