Governor Mike Pence - News Releases

STATE ENDS ROLE IN MIDWEST FERTILIZER PROJECT FINANCING, TURNS OVER TO LOCAL OFFICIALS (6/18/2013)

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 04:00:01 GMT

Start Date:	6/18/2013	Start Time:	12:00 AM
End Date:	6/18/2013	End Time:	11:59 PM

Posey County

Indianapolis, IN - Governor Mike Pence has instructed the Indiana Finance Authority to acknowledge its receipt of a Receipt and Release Certificate related to the Mandatory Redemption of the Indiana Finance Authority Industrial Development Revenue Bonds, Series 2012 (Midwest Fertilizer Corporation Project) on July 1, 2013.

The proceeds of the issuance by Posey County, Indiana, of its Economic Development Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 2013A will refund the IFA's Bonds and effectively end the State of Indiana's participation in the financing of the Midwest Fertilizer project.

Governor Pence's office issued the following statement, attributable to Communications Director Christy Denault:

"The State of Indiana stands by its decision to withdraw support for the Midwest Fertilizer project since Department of Defense officials still have not been able to independently confirm Fatima Group's promise to replace their current fertilizer in Pakistan with a formula less susceptible to misuse by hostile forces in the region.

Despite a difference of opinion on the matter, Governor Pence respects the prerogative of local officials to continue to explore the possibility of moving forward and has instructed the Indiana Finance Authority not to stand in the way of Posey County officials pursuing the project on their own."

GOVERNOR PENCE ANNOUNCES PERFORMANCE-BASED MANAGEMENT AGENDA FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014 (6/17/2013)

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 04:00:01 GMT

Start Date:	6/17/2013	Start Time:	12:00 AM
End Date:	6/17/2013	End Time:	11:59 PM

State House

Statewide

Indianapolis – Today, Governor Mike Pence announced his performance management agenda for state agencies for Fiscal Year 2014.

The new performance agenda includes updated key performance indicators, which serve as the strategic, measurable goals that guide agency operations. They are the chief means by which the Governor will hold an agency accountable. Governor Pence also unveiled the first-ever performance-based budgeting system for Cabinet-level agencies.

“State government should fund excellence in every regard, and Hoosier taxpayers should hold their government accountable for the services it provides,” said Governor Pence. “The strategies announced today in our performance-based management agenda are critical to achieving this goal and propelling Indiana from reform to results.”

Since taking office in January, Governor Pence has led “Good to Great” reviews with Cabinet-level agencies. In those reviews, the Governor and staff evaluated current operations and reviewed key performance indicators in order to improve agency performance and customer service. The Governor then worked with the Office of Management and Budget to revise each Cabinet-level agency’s key performance indicators. The Governor approved the new key performance indicators and presented them to the Cabinet-level agencies at the June 14 Cabinet meeting. The key performance indicators for Cabinet-level agencies will be effective July 1, 2013.

In Fiscal Year 2014, Governor Pence also will institute a performance-based budgeting system for Cabinet-level agencies. Through this system, Cabinet-level agency reserves in Fiscal Year 2014 will be tied to progress made on revised key performance indicators. Cabinet-level agencies will maintain reserves at 3 percent with an opportunity to earn reserve relief and save those dollars for one-time “Good to Great” priority investments. At the end of each quarter, each Cabinet-level agency will be held accountable for their performance and asked to attend a Good to Great Quarterly Performance Meeting led by the Office of Management and Budget. A Cabinet-level agency exceeding expectations will be able to earn up to 0.5 percent in reserve relief. One meeting expectations can earn up to 0.25 percent in reserve relief, and one not meeting expectations will earn no reserve relief.

Governor Pence will continue to seek accountability and improved performance among all of state government.

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GOVERNOR STATEMENT REGARDING INDIANA STATE TROOPER JARED LENTS (6/17/2013)

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 04:00:01 GMT

Start Date:	6/17/2013	Start Time:	12:00 AM
End Date:	6/17/2013	End Time:	11:59 PM

Daviess County

Statewide

Indianapolis - Upon learning that Indiana State Trooper Jared Lents was shot multiple times while responding to a call in Montgomery, Governor Mike Pence issued the following statement.

“I am relieved to learn that Trooper Jared Lents’ injuries are not life-threatening. Our prayers go out to him, and I am reminded of the risks those who wear the uniform take every day, and of their courageous service to the people of Indiana.”

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JUNE 15, 2013: GOVERNOR PENCE TO JOIN HOOSIERS IN MARION COUNTY TOMORROW (6/14/2013)

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 04:00:01 GMT

Start Date:	6/14/2013	Start Time:	12:00 AM
End Date:	6/14/2013	End Time:	11:59 PM

Marion County

Indianapolis – Governor Mike Pence will offer remarks tomorrow at the Second Annual Indiana Latino Expo and the Disabled American Veterans State Convention. Details below.

Saturday, June 15:

9:30 a.m. EDT – Governor Pence to offer remarks at the Second Annual Indiana Latino Expo

*Media are welcome to attend.

Indiana State Fairgrounds, West Pavilion, 1202 East 38^th Street, Indianapolis, IN

11:00 a.m. EDT – Governor Pence to offer remarks at the Disabled American Veterans State Convention

*Media are welcome to attend.

The Marten House Hotel and Lilly Conference Center, 1801 West 86^th Street, Indianapolis, IN

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GOVERNOR APPOINTS MEMBERS TO STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION (6/13/2013)

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 04:00:01 GMT

Start Date:	6/13/2013	Start Time:	12:00 AM
End Date:	6/13/2013	End Time:	11:59 PM

Statewide

Indianapolis – Governor Mike Pence today announced four new appointments and two reappointments to the State Board of Education. The appointees will serve four-year terms effective July 1^st.

With extensive educational leadership experience across the nation, Dr. David Freitas has been named the Second Congressional District appointee to the State Board of Education. Throughout his three-decade career, Freitas has served as an elected City School Board Member, a State-appointed member of the Illinois Educator Preparation and Licensure Board, a State Department of Education Official in Massachusetts, a College Dean of Education for more than 20 years, a consultant for the U.S. Department of Education, and an instructor and mentor for more than 1,000 school superintendents and K-12 school principals throughout America as a University Professor of Educational Leadership. A frequent national and international invited speaker on a variety of education topics, Freitas has delivered remarks in nearly every large city in America, as well as in ten foreign countries on three continents. Freitas, of Granger, earned his doctoral and masters degrees in educational leadership from Boston University.

Andrea Neal has been appointed to the Board to represent the Fifth Congressional District. Neal recently completed her tenth year of teaching U.S. History and English at St. Richard’s Episcopal School in Indianapolis. As an adjunct scholar with the Indiana Policy Review Foundation, she has written a bi-weekly column published in 25 Indiana newspapers. Neal worked at The Indianapolis Star from 1989 to 2003 where she served as reporter, assistant city editor, editorial writer and editorial page editor. During her time at The Star, she received a number of awards including First Prize in the National Awards for Education Reporting in 1998. Neal, a resident of Indianapolis, graduated magna cum laude from Brown University.

An educational leader in Indiana for more than 20 years, Dr. Brad Oliver has been named to the State Board of Education for the Sixth Congressional District. Since 2009, Oliver has served as Associate Dean and Education Unit Head at Indiana Wesleyan University. He has served in a number of capacities within education throughout his career including as an elementary teacher, an elementary principal and assistant superintendent, a central office director and a past member of Indiana’s Title I Committee of Practitioners. In 2010, Oliver was appointed by Governor Mitch Daniels to the Indiana Professional Standards Advisory Board. Oliver, of Muncie earned his undergraduate degree from Marshall University and his masters, education specialist and doctorate degrees from Ball State University.

In the Ninth Congressional District, Troy Albert has been named to the Board. Albert, who currently serves as Henryville Jr. Sr. High School Principal, is preparing to enter his seventh year in this role and his 32^nd year in education. During this time, he has served as a teacher for 13 years, an assistant principal and athletic director for eight years and a principal for ten years. In November of 2012, Albert was named High School Principal of the Year for District 12 by the Indiana Association of School Principals. Following the devastating tornado that struck Henryville in March of 2012, Albert has worked to instill confidence in school safety procedures for natural disasters both here in Indiana and in other states, such as Oklahoma. Albert, of Henryville, earned his undergraduate degree from Manchester College and his masters degree from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.

Sarah O’Brien, of Avon, a first grade teacher at River Birch Elementary, and Dan Elsener, of Indianapolis, who serves as President of Marian University, have been reappointed to the State Board of Education for the Fourth Congressional District and Seventh Congressional District, respectively.

Neil Pickett, of Carmel, who formerly served as the Fifth Congressional District appointee, has been named to the Indiana Career Council, and James Edwards, of Santa Claus, who was the appointee for the Ninth Congressional District, will now serve on an Indiana Works Council.

“As we strive to make Indiana the state where education works for all kids, we thank the individuals named today to the Indiana State Board of Education for their commitment to making this goal a reality,” said Governor Pence. “Their wealth and diversity of experience, both in the classroom and in leadership positions across our state and nation, will bring unique perspective to the Board and will greatly benefit Hoosier children and their families in the years ahead.”

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JUNE 14, 2013: GOVERNOR TO TALK JOBS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN MARION, JOHNSON COUNTIES (6/13/2013)

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 04:00:01 GMT

Start Date:	6/13/2013	Start Time:	12:00 AM
End Date:	6/13/2013	End Time:	11:59 PM

Johnson County

Marion County

Indianapolis, IN - Tomorrow morning, Governor Mike Pence will join executives from Indianapolis Power & Light Company for an economic development announcement. In the afternoon, the Governor will offer remarks at Caterpillar Reman Powertrain Indiana for the company's 30th anniversary. Details below.

Friday, June 14:

9:00 a.m. EDT - Governor Mike Pence to join executives of Indianapolis Power & Light Company for an economic development announcement

*Media are welcome to attend.

One Monument Circle, Indianapolis, IN

2:00 p.m. EDT - Governor Mike Pence to offer remarks to celebrate Caterpillar Reman Powertrain Indiana's 30th anniversary

*Media are welcome to attend.

Caterpillar Reman Powertrain Indiana, 751 International Drive, Franklin, IN

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JUNE 13, 2013: GOVERNOR TO JOIN HOOSIERS IN ALLEN COUNTY (6/12/2013)

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 04:00:01 GMT

Start Date:	6/12/2013	Start Time:	12:00 AM
End Date:	6/12/2013	End Time:	11:59 PM

Allen County

Indianapolis, IN - Tomorrow, Governor Mike Pence will join Hoosiers in Allen County to discuss growing Indiana's economy. Details below.

Thursday, June 13:

12:45 p.m. EDT - Governor Mike Pence to join Hoosiers at El Caliente

*Media are welcome to attend.

El Caliente, 1123 E. State Boulevard, Fort Wayne, IN

2:15 p.m. EDT - Governor Mike Pence to join executives from Brunswick Corp. for a ribbon cutting ceremony in Allen County. A media availability regarding growing Indiana's economy will follow.

*Media are welcome to attend.

Brunswick Fort Wayne Operations, 1111 N. Hadley Road, Fort Wayne, IN

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OFFICE OF GOVERNOR PENCE STATEMENT REGARDING VETO OVERRIDE OF HEA 1546 (6/12/2013)

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 04:00:01 GMT

Start Date:	6/12/2013	Start Time:	12:00 AM
End Date:	6/12/2013	End Time:	11:59 PM

State House

Indianapolis, IN - The Office of Governor Mike Pence issued the following statement regarding the veto override of HEA 1546.

“Governor Pence stands by his veto, and regrets that it was not upheld by the Indiana General Assembly today. While this bill contained some positive provisions, the Governor believes that when Hoosiers pay taxes that are not owed, they should be offered relief. Hoosiers can be assured that Governor Pence and his administration will continue to put taxpayers first.”

The above quote is attributable to Christy Denault, Communications Director.

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GOVERNOR ASKS MEMBERS OF INDIANA GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO SUSTAIN VETO OF HEA 1546 (6/10/2013)

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 04:00:01 GMT

Start Date:	6/10/2013	Start Time:	12:00 AM
End Date:	6/10/2013	End Time:	11:59 PM

State House

Indianapolis – Governor Mike Pence is asking members of the Indiana General Assembly to sustain his veto of HEA 1546, regarding tax administration.

Legislators plan to return to the Statehouse on Wednesday to consider the veto of HEA 1546.

Today, Governor Pence issued a letter on the matter to all members of the General Assembly. The letter can be read in full here: http://www.in.gov/gov/files/062013_LettertoLegislators.pdf.

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JUNE 11, 2013: GOVERNOR TO KEYNOTE EVENTS IN BOONE, MARION COUNTIES (6/10/2013)

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 04:00:01 GMT

Start Date:	6/10/2013	Start Time:	12:00 AM
End Date:	6/10/2013	End Time:	11:59 PM

Boone County

Marion County

Tomorrow, Governor Mike Pence will keynote the Boone County Economic Development Corporation Annual Meeting. In the evening, he will keynote the Japan-American Society of Indiana Dinner. Details below.

Tuesday, June 11:

9:00 a.m. EDT - Governor Pence to keynote the Boone County Economic Development Corporation Annual Meeting

*Media are welcome to attend.

Traders Point Christian Church, 6590 S. Indianapolis Road, Whitestown, IN

5:45 p.m. EDT - Governor Pence to keynote the Japan-American Society of Indiana Dinner

*This event is not open to media.

GOVERNOR PENCE PRESENTS SAGAMORE OF THE WABASH AWARD TO HART HASTEN OF INDIANAPOLIS (6/6/2013)

Thu, 6 Jun 2013 04:00:01 GMT

Start Date:	6/6/2013	Start Time:	12:00 AM
End Date:	6/6/2013	End Time:	11:59 PM

Marion County

Indianapolis, IN – Governor Mike Pence presented a Sagamore of the Wabash to Hart Hasten earlier this week at the annual Hasten Hebrew Academy Graduation and Tribute Dinner.

“Hart Hasten has served as a pillar of Indianapolis and the Jewish community for decades,” said Governor Pence. “For his strength, perseverance and commitment to bettering the lives of those around him, as well as for his work representing Indiana on an international level, it is a privilege to present to this tremendous Hoosier leader one of Indiana’s highest honors, the Sagamore of the Wabash.”

Born in Poland in the early 1930s, Hasten, a Holocaust survivor, and his wife Simona have called Indianapolis home since 1964. Hasten and his brother made a living as owners of convalescent centers, commercial real estate and commercial banks. In 1971, Hasten helped to found The Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis, where he served as president for 25 years and helped to revive Jewish religious education in central Indiana.

A philanthropist at heart, Hasten has been involved in numerous roles throughout the community including serving as a member of the National Executive Committee and the Campaign Cabinet of the State of Israel Bonds, the Rotary Club International and the Board of Directors of the Jerusalem College of Technology. The Hastens also established the Indiana University Simona and Hart Hasten Visiting Fellows Program, allowing for some of the most renowned figures in the field of Jewish Studies to share their stories with students of the university.

Hasten has received countless awards throughout his career, of the most notable are the Prime Minister’s Medal from the State of Israel and the Jabotinsky Medal, which he was selected to receive as one of only 100 Americans.

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GOVERNOR PENCE ANNOUNCES INCREASE IN MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT RATES (6/5/2013)

Wed, 5 Jun 2013 04:00:01 GMT

Start Date:	6/5/2013	Start Time:	12:00 AM
End Date:	6/5/2013	End Time:	11:59 PM

Statewide

Indianapolis – Governor Mike Pence announced today that the State of Indiana will increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for the state’s health care providers who saw their rates cut in 2010. The new rates will take effect in January 2014.

“A healthy Indiana is a strong Indiana,” said Pence. “Thanks to the state’s solid fiscal condition, we are able to increase the reimbursement rates, and we encourage providers to make investments that will improve the quality of care for Medicaid recipients and all Hoosiers.”

Health care providers welcomed the news.

“This decision is very important for our hospitals—it provides a more solid financial footing at this critical time given continued federal Medicare cuts,” said Doug Leonard, Indiana Hospital Association President. “This is even more significant considering hospitals in other states are facing even further Medicaid cuts while Indiana is able to reverse them.”

The 2010 reductions will be eliminated completely for providers on a number of services including dental, vision, medical transportation, lab and radiology, speech and hearing therapy, freestanding dialysis and medical supplies. Rates will be restored in part for other providers including hospitals, nursing facilities, home health care, immediate care and intellectual disability facilities.

The State reduced Medicaid reimbursement rates during the 2010 budget process as a cost containment measure. Indiana currently has 1.1 million Medicaid recipients.

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JUNE 5, 2013: GOVERNOR PENCE TO JOIN HOOSIERS IN PORTER, LAKE COUNTIES (6/5/2013)

Wed, 5 Jun 2013 04:00:01 GMT

Start Date:	6/5/2013	Start Time:	12:00 AM
End Date:	6/5/2013	End Time:	11:59 PM

Lake County

Porter County

Indianapolis, IN - Tomorrow, Governor Mike Pence will travel to northwest Indiana to join Hoosiers in Porter and Lake counties. Details below.

Wednesday, June 5:

12:00 p.m. CDT - Governor Pence to keynote the Portage Economic Luncheon

*Media are welcome to attend.

Woodland Park Community Center, 2100 Willowcreek Road, Portage, IN

2:30 p.m. CDT - Governor Pence to join Sen. Ed Charbonneau (R) for a public, ceremonial bill signing of SEA 585

*Media are welcome to attend.

Gary Town Hall, 401 Broadway, Gary, IN

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GOVERNOR PENCE LAUNCHES HEALTHCARE TRANSPARENCY TOOL FOR STATE OF INDIANA BENEFIT PLAN MEMBERS (6/3/2013)

Mon, 3 Jun 2013 04:00:01 GMT

Start Date:	6/3/2013	Start Time:	12:00 AM
End Date:	6/3/2013	End Time:	11:59 PM

Statewide

INDIANAPOLIS – This morning, Indiana Governor Mike Pence launched a new healthcare transparency tool, Castlight Health, bringing long-awaited cost and quality information to State of Indiana benefit plan members. The Governor, along with leaders from Castlight and Anthem, completed several searches and discussed the importance of transparency.

“Indiana is leading the charge in providing tools to state employees to educate them about being informed healthcare consumers,” said Governor Pence. “Whether the focus is cost or quality, our employees are now more empowered than ever to save money and provide for their families’ medical needs by using Castlight.”

Castlight Health is a searchable database that enables self-insured employers and their employees to take control of health care costs and improve care. It provides cost estimates and quality ratings for doctors and procedures, while also educating employees about compliance for chronic health care conditions.

“Both businesses and governmental bodies continue to be stifled by the high cost of medical care in the United States,” said Giovanni Colella, M.D., co-founder and CEO, Castlight Health. “As the first state to introduce health care transparency into its workforce, the State of Indiana is taking an important leap forward by empowering employees with the information they need to make more informed, cost-effective health care decisions. Indiana was an early pioneer in the transparency movement and we believe their success will become the model for entities committed to improving health care outcomes, while better controlling costs.”

This initiative has taken more than a year to complete and involved a coordinated effort from the state, Castlight Health and Anthem, the state’s medical insurance provider.

“Useful information pertaining to the cost and quality of medical care has always been hard to come by. As a result, health care consumers have almost become bystanders in the health care system. But considering the ever rising costs, we can no longer afford to be bystanders,” said Robert Hillman, Anthem President and General Manager of Indiana. “Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield commends Gov. Pence for this innovative approach, and we look forward to partnering with Castlight Health to empower Indiana health care consumers, promote healthier lives and improve costs and quality.”

Other large self-insured employers from around the state have already launched or are preparing to launch Castlight Health to their employees. These include Cummins and Indiana University, whose senior leadership joined the Governor this morning to celebrate the launch.

Photo: Governor Mike Pence joins representatives from Castlight Health, Indiana University, Cummins, Anthem and the Indiana State Personnel Department to discuss and sign up for Castlight.

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About Castlight Health

Castlight Health enables employers, their employees, and health plans to take control of health care costs and improve care. Named #1 on The Wall Street Journal’s list of “The Top 50 Venture-Backed Companies” for 2011 and one of Dow Jones’ 50 Most Investment-Worthy Technology Start-Ups, Castlight Health helps the country’s self-insured employers and health plans empower consumers to shop for health care. Castlight Health is headquartered in San Francisco and backed by prominent investors including Allen & Company, Cleveland Clinic, Maverick Capital, Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Oak Investment Partners, Redmile Group, T. Rowe Price, U.S. Venture Partners, Venrock, Wellcome Trust and two unnamed mutual funds. For more information, please visit our web site at http://www.castlighthealth.com.

About Anthem

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ® ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/healthjoinin, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HealthJoinIn, or visit our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/healthjoinin.

Contact:

Ashley Hungate
Indiana State Personnel Department
ahungate@spd.in.gov
317-234-4530

Drew Smith
Blanc & Otus for Castlight Health
dsmith@blancandotus.com

Tony Felts
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Indiana
tony.felts@anthem.com
317-842-4050

JUNE 4, 2013: GOVERNOR PENCE TO JOIN HOOSIERS IN HANCOCK, MARION COUNTIES (6/3/2013)

Mon, 3 Jun 2013 04:00:01 GMT

Start Date:	6/3/2013	Start Time:	12:00 AM
End Date:	6/3/2013	End Time:	11:59 PM

Hancock County

Marion County

Indianapolis, IN - Tomorrow, Governor Mike Pence will join representatives from Eli Lilly, Covance and PhRMA and attend the Indiana 'Research In Your Backyard' event in Hancock County. In Marion County in the afternoon, Pence, joined by Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Commissioner Scott B. Sanders and Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) Commissioner Bruce Lemmon, will commemorate the first year of the Hoosier Initiative for Re-Entry (HIRE) program. Details below.

Tuesday, June 4:

10:00 a.m. EDT - Governor Pence to keynote the Indiana 'Research In Your Backyard' Event

*Media are welcome to attend.

Covance, 2001 W. Main Street, Greenfield, IN

1:00 p.m. EDT - Governor Pence to commemorate the first year of the HIRE program

*Media are welcome to attend.

Statehouse, Room 206, 200 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN

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