Due to continued efforts of community development organizations, including Goshen’s LaCasa Inc., the 6.3 million people that call Indiana home “now have home ownership within their grasp,” according to Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman.
She also said the state’s property tax reform plan will help Hoosier homeowners “gain some ground.”
Skillman was the guest speaker at Wednesday’s LaCasa Inc. 2008 annual meeting held at the Greencroft Senior Center, Goshen.
“We’re here today to talk about community development and community housing,” Skillman said, remembering how she felt when she and her husband were first able to purchase their own home.
“I’ll never forget that sense of pride and sense of accomplishment when we spent our first night in our new home. We want that for all Hoosiers,” she said.
As an illustration of that goal, Skillman said the state’s current administration has worked the past three years to bring in a record-breaking number of new jobs and investments to the state.
“That investment is happening in every region of our state,” Skillman said.
Skillman also noted the state’s unemployment rate, now at 4.5 percent, is currently the lowest it has been in nearly seven years.
“And of course we’re always looking at ways to improve that,” Skillman said.
On a more personal note, Skillman added that since the state began partnering with LaCasa Inc., more than $13 million has been invested in LaCasa-related projects and services.
“Your partnership with the state is helping Hoosiers keep their homes,” Skillman said.
Now in its 38th year, LaCasa Inc. is an Elkhart County-based not-for-profit organization with a mission that centers on working with individuals and community partners to provide services including financial and home-buyer education, loan products, counseling and home repair and rehabilitation for low- and moderate-income families.
Skillman also touted the recently-passed property tax reform plan as a new tool for homeowners.
“Indiana has now entered a new era of property tax protection,” Skillman said, noting that homeowners should expect to see cuts in their property tax bills of as much as 30 percent this year.
The plan also contains built-in language to help prevent any such large tax increases from occurring in the future, Skillman said.
In closing, Skillman left those in attendance with one of her favorite quotes by President John Quincy Adams as a way to illustrate the importance of the work being done by LaCasa Inc.
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader,” Skillman said. “LaCasa of Goshen is an organization that does just that.”
Local News
Lt. governor visits Goshen to tout home ownership
- Local News
-
-
Duty changes with birth of LaGrange soldier's son
Usually when people think of American veterans they think of men in uniform. More often today, than in yesteryear, the veteran is a woman. In tune with the times, the military has made accommodations for this increase in female recruits.
-
Fairfield graduates ready for the next step
Fairfield High School held its 44th commencement Friday night in its school gymnasium, handing out 145 diplomas.
-
Westview seniors graduate Friday night
Westview High School held its 46th commencement Friday night in its school gymnasium, handing out 97 diplomas.
-
RV shipments up in April
Wholesale shipments of recreational vehicles rose 9.8 percent in April compared to the same month in 2011.
-
UPDATE: Police release names of two killed in Bristol motorcycle crash
Two Elkhart residents were killed Friday night when the motorcycle they were riding crashed along Ind. 15 as they fled police.
-
Police probe possible fatal crash near Bristol
Elkhart County rescue crews responded to a possible double fatal traffic crash on Ind. 15 just south of C.R. 112 at 9:13 p.m. Friday night. Ind. 15 was closed to non-emergency traffic and a Samaritan medical helicopter landed at the scene to assist with rescue efforts.
-
Goshen teen who shot himself Tuesday arrested for using sawed-off gun in robbery
A 17-year-old male recently admitted to IU Health Goshen Hospital for a self-inflicted gunshot wound has been arrested in connection with the robbery of a BP gas station in Goshen this past Sunday.
-
Wild phlox can be found this time of year
Nature’s bounty can sometimes produce unexpected beauty in the form of wildflowers that can pop up anywhere and everywhere. They can be some of the most exhilarating because of the unusual colors, the delicacy of the blossoms, or simply their choice of location to grow.
-
Rinker Foundation donates $5,000 for new ‘learning’ toys
SYRACUSE — The kids are happy. The teachers are excited. The director is pleased. Best of all, at Lakeland Learning Center is using new educational toys to prepare preschoolers to hit the ground running in kindergarten.
-
Syracuse town manager says changes can be difficult
SYRACUSE — Local residents want to know when the piers will be put in for those who swim near the Oakwood Inn. Other concerns revolve around trees on the property, the new waste management and water bills being sent since the town annexed the area several months ago.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
Raw Video: Fight Erupts in Ukrainian Parliament
Texan Ranchers Remain Wary of Drought
Raw Video: Soldiers Plant Flags at Arlington
Police: Man Arrested in Etan Patz Disappearance
NYC Protests: the Revolution Will Be Scripted
Chicago U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald Resigns
