A look at news and events in the Daniels Administration

March 31, 2009– Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels has announced the state will hire 2,000 young adults to spend this summer and next improving Indiana’s parks, trails and natural habitats. The program, called the Young Hoosiers Conservation Corps, will use federal stimulus funds designated for employment and training of people 16 to 24 years old.  

“Our template for stimulus funds is jobs, speed and lasting value. This program puts young people to work, does it quickly, and adds the best kind of enduring legacy in the enhanced natural beauty of Indiana,” said Daniels.

The jobs will pay $8.50 per hour. According to federal requirements, the jobs will be for Hoosiers who are 24 years old or younger and whose family incomes are at or below the poverty level (approximately $23,000 for a family of four). The positions will begin no earlier than May 1 and end no later than September 30, 2009. The state will place a top priority on hiring veterans and those currently receiving unemployment benefits who meet the program’s age and income eligibility requirements.

The 2,000 jobs include projects such as restoring natural wildlife habitats, building trails, beautifying Department of Natural Resources (DNR) properties, and rehabilitating historic buildings at about 100 DNR sites, including state parks, reservoirs, recreation areas, state forests, nature preserves, and state historic sites. All federal dollars will go into the young workers’ paychecks; the DNR will use funds already budgeted for any needed materials.

The Department of Workforce Development and DNR will oversee the program. Job applications are being accepted immediately online at www.in.gov/yhcc.

The state will receive federal stimulus funds totaling about $24 million through the Workforce Investment Act to hire workers. This is a 91-county program.  Under federal law, Marion County qualifies for $3 million of the total $24 million based on its population.  Provided the program proves effective, the program will be renewed in 2010.

Young Hoosiers Conservation Corps Facts

• The Department of Natural Resources expects to restore up to 2,600 acres of natural habitat areas, build up to 110 miles of new trails, rehabilitate over 1,100 miles of existing trails and restore about 40 structures. The work will take place at about 100 DNR sites, including state parks, reservoirs, recreation areas, state forests, nature preserves, and state historic sites.
• About 2,000 young adults will be hired at a salary of $8.50 per hour for 16 weeks between May 1 and September 30. Those hired will be 16 to 24 years old and have family income at or below the poverty level. The state will seek veterans and those currently receiving unemployment benefits.
• Job applications are being accepted by the Department of Workforce Development online at www.in.gov/yhcc
• Training will include basic construction, historic preservation, and greenway development skills.
• Indiana will receive about $24 million in stimulus funds and will use it to hire workers this summer. Should the program prove successful, remaining funds will be used to renew it next summer.

Project examples

• Hoosier Prairie Nature Preserve (Lake County): Habitat restoration and invasive plant species removal on 120 acres.
• Potato Creek State Park (St. Joseph County): New trail construction and major trail rehabilitation.
• Loblolly Marsh Nature Preserve/Limberlost State Historic Site (Adams, Jay counties): continued restoration of historic Limberlost wetland habitat.
• J. Edgar Roush Lake (Huntington, Wells counties):  removal of shrubs, trees and restoration of wildlife openings to maintain wildlife diversity.
• O’Bannon Woods State Park (Harrison County): control and eradication of harmful invasive vegetation.
• Deam Lake State Recreation Area (Clark County): Construction of new six-mile horse trail loop.
• Patoka Lake (Crawford, Dubois, Orange counties): Re-construction and restoration of historic log cabin.
• Knobstone Trail (Clark, Scott, Washington counties): New construction and major rehab of Indiana’s longest hiking trail.
• Turkey Run State Park (Parke County): Rehabilitation of historic Leiber Memorial.
• Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site (Noble County): Repair and maintenance of historic GSP home.
• Mississinewa Lake (Miami, Wabash counties): Repair work on historic Frances Slocum shelter.
• Pokagon State Park (Steuben County): Preparing Trine State Recreation Area to open to the public (Trine would be the newest state recreation area).

Click here for a map of Indiana DNR properties that will be part of the Young Hoosiers Conservation Corps program.

Click here for audio from the announcement.

April 4, 2009– Governor Mitch Daniels continued his push to bring more recognition to the academic achievement of Hoosier students when he visited the 21^st Annual Hoosier Science and Engineering Fair to surprise Indiana’s 2009 Top Young Scientist with a $10,000 cash award, perhaps the largest such award given by any governor.   

“We love basketball, but it won’t pay the rent,” said Daniels.  “Indiana’s economic future and our kid’s individual futures depend more than anything else on academic achievement, especially in math and science.  Young people like Chelsea are our true superstars.”

Daniels presented Chelsea Arthur of New Prairie High School in New Carlisle with a trophy and check, the largest monetary prize ever awarded at the competition, in recognition of outstanding scientific accomplishment by the highest placing senior among the state’s top science and engineering competitors.  The governor was joined for the presentation by Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett and entrepreneur Bob Compton, who sponsored the award as part of an ongoing effort by Daniels to raise the level of recognition of academic achievement in the state to that of athletic achievement.     

“The intellectual achievements of Indiana’s youth, not their athletic achievements, will be the foundation of our economic prosperity in the 21^st century,” said Compton, who is also executive producer of Two Million Minutes: A Global Examination, a documentary film that compares and contrasts the high school education experiences of students in India, China and the United States. “Governor Daniels is one of the few national leaders to grasp this fundamental truth and to publicly recognize the academic achievements of Indiana students.”

Because of Daniels’ commitment to improve Indiana education, including the creation of the Hoosier High School Math and Science Awards and the expansion of New Tech High Schools, Compton approached Daniels about creating an award at this year’s state science and engineering fair to highlight the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The competition, hosted by the Science Education Foundation of Indiana (SEFI), showcases more than 100 of the top science fair projects from Hoosier students in grades 9-12.   

Chelsea’s project was titled Using Glass as a Catalyst for Diesel Particulate Filters. She finished first among the high school seniors in the competition and will participate in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Reno, Nevada in May. Chelsea is the daughter of David and Lori Kimmel, of New Carlisle; her teacher is Kimberly Holifield. Chelsea plans to attend Purdue University to study chemical engineering and political science. She is also involved in Academic Spell Bowl, National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, and International Club and Theater.

“I thank and applaud Governor Daniels for his leadership in creating this important award, and the message its creation sends regarding the importance of science, technology, engineering and math activities in our state,” said SEFI Chairman Dr. Robert W. Yost. “This award, along with the Hoosier High School Math and Science Award, solidly demonstrates the governor’s commitment to STEM education and the importance of Indiana student success in these fields.” 

More than 17,000 Hoosiers students in grades 1-12 participated in a local science fair this academic year.  Of those, more than 3,500 students participated in regional science fairs with the top 124 students earning a chance to compete at the state science and engineering fair.  All projects are judged by a panel of Indiana scientists on the basis of creative ability, scientific thought, engineering goals, skill and clarity.

“This is among the largest awards presented by any governor for science achievement and sends a clear message that Indiana values science education,” said Elizabeth Marincola, president of the Society for Science & the Public.  “Indiana's investment in STEM education is an essential contributor to the economic and intellectual strength of the state. Society for Science & the Public commends the Hoosier Science & Engineering Fair, Governor Daniels, Bob Compton and the state of Indiana for its wise investment in the future.”

This is the inaugural year for the Top Young Scientist Award.  In 2007, Daniels created the Hoosier High School Math and Science Awards to recognize the state’s top high school talent in math and science based on such information as SAT, ACT and Advanced Placement scores, awards and prizes as well as grades received in math and science courses.  The 2009 winners will be announced in May. 

Audio of Governor Daniels’ comments can be found here: http://www.in.gov/gov/files/Audio/science_fair.mp3

Governor Daniels Visits Ivy Tech, Announces North Central Indiana Jobs

April 2, 2009- Governor Mitch Daniels joined educators, local and regional economic development officials and business executives in Elkhart to announce seven companies will invest more than $22.6 million to add over 500 jobs to the area.

"Without question, the struggles in the RV industry have dealt a heavy blow to north central Indiana," said Daniels, who met with local officials to discuss economic development issues during a stop at Ivy Tech.  "I'm encouraged that Hoosier workers are taking initiative and getting the training they need to adapt to the changing job market.  This announcement is good news for the region and one step toward the comeback for Elkhart and nearby counties." 

The companies involved in the announcement are:

• Oasis Lifestyle, LLC:  Oasis Lifestyle, a manufacturer of custom bathroom fixtures including tubs and showers, will relocate its Aurora, Ill.-based manufacturing facility to Plymouth, adding $2.1 million in capital investment and over 95 jobs by 2011.     

• Lake Cable of Elkhart, LLC:  Lake Cable of Elkhart is a manufacturer of industrial, commercial and residential wire and cable used in security systems, fire alarms and building automation.  The Illinois-based company will invest $6 million to open its new Elkhart facility, creating more than 20 jobs over the next year.   

• Fortis Plastics, LLC:  Fortis Plastics, a custom-molded plastics company, recently reorganized and opened its headquarters in South Bend.  Formerly Atlantis Plastics, the company will invest more than $3.5 million to upgrade an existing facility and add jobs.      

• Precision Tank & Equipment Company: Steel and fiberglass tank manufacturer Precision Tank and Equipment will open a new facility to produce 30,000-gallon fiberglass tanks in Wakarusa. The Illinois-based company will hire 14 new associates and invest more than $1.8 million over the next three years. 

• Bremen Castings, Inc.:  Bremen Castings, an iron machine castings manufacturer will expand its Marshall County facility adding 66 new jobs.  The fourth-generation, family-owned company plans to invest $5.6 million to grow its machining, painting and pattern shop.

• Intercambio Express, Inc.: Money transmitter Intercambio Express recently announced it will locate its headquarters in Elkhart and hire an additional 51 information technology (IT) and customer service associates.   Recognized as a 2008 Top 50 Company to Watch by the Indiana Small Business Development Center, Purdue University and Edward Lowe Foundation, Intercambio Express will invest $3 million to upgrade equipment and facilities. 

• izzy:  izzy, formerly Jami, Inc., recently announced it will expand its Middlebury operations creating more than 115 jobs in the next three years.  The Grand Haven, Michigan-based commercial chair manufacturer will invest $640,000 in equipment and building improvements. 

"The support from state and local leaders reinforces that Elkhart County is an excellent place for us to expand our business," said Chuck Saylor, chairman and chief executive officer of izzy. "JSJ and izzy look forward to furthering our partnership with the community as we pursue long-term growth in Indiana."

Ivy Tech's Elkhart campus hosted Daniels' visit to the region, which also included lunch with students and a round table discussion with business executives, local economic development officials and representatives from Indiana University-South Bend and WorkOne. 

"As we face challenging economic times, all of us are taking a closer look at our finances and taking steps to ensure a brighter future for our families," said Thomas J. Snyder, president of Ivy Tech Community College.  "Ivy Tech Community College continues to enroll a record number of students as they make the connection between educational attainment and increased employability and earnings potential.  More than 95 percent of our students stay in Indiana after graduation, helping build our workforce and local economies." 

Overheard: Governor Daniels in the News

Anderson Herald Bulletin
April 08, 2009

Gov. Mitch Daniels announced last week that he will spend $24 million of the state’s federal stimulus money to improve state parks and the aesthetic of Indiana and give 2,000 young people summer jobs.

This is an admirable use of some of those funds.

The 2,000 workers, who will be employed during the next two summers, will be ages 16 to 24 and come from low-income families. Those already receiving unemployment benefits will be given a hiring priority.

The work will include restoring habitat areas, building and rehabilitating trails and restoring buildings. This is work that would probably be neglected under normal state budget expenditures, and that’s precisely why it’s an excellent use of stimulus funds.

Daniels should be commended for using foresight with the stimulus funds. Some Republican governors — Sarah Palin in Alaska and Mark Sanford of South Carolina, both exploring runs for the presidency in 2012 — have decided not to use the stimulus. Such partisan moves are not helpful to their respective states, and it’s a credit to Daniels to realize what a difference the stimulus funds can make.

The work will have a positive effect on the state’s economic development efforts. The Herald Bulletin, in past editorials, has noted the connection between aesthetically pleasing surroundings and companies looking for nice places to relocate.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt that there is a state park here in Madison County that could be made even better and used as a selling point for county economic development teams.

It’s also good for Hoosiers who like to visit state facilities for camping, horseback riding and picnicking. The parks will be in better shape.

The downside is that after two years the money will be gone, and it will be up to the state to provide such maintenance. Also, the jobs will be gone. Having that working experience, however, could give a lot of young people a chance to move onto other jobs, as the governor noted.

The jobs and work could start as early as May 1. If you’re visiting a state park and notice a flurry of improvement activity, you’ll know the stimulus dollars are being well spent in Indiana.

Ind. first lady visits Upland Elementary: Daniels teaches kids about writing, publishing

Maron County Chronicle Tribune
By: AJ Colley
March 8, 2009

Cheri Daniels, Gov. Mitch Daniels’ wife, visited Upland Elementary School on Tuesday morning to read to students a book she co-authored.

The book, Shadow Tail Meets the Gang, was written by Daniels and Carol Nicewander and published in late 2008. Daniels told students another book she’s written with most of the same characters will be released this year.

Daniels read to students in first, second and third grades, fielding questions about how to write and publish a book. Third grade teacher Barbara Cooper said it’s the second time Daniels has visited the school. The first time was a few years ago after students contacted her through letters. This time, Cooper said Daniels’ office contacted her.

“I was thrilled,” Cooper said. “…  I think it really encourages the children that it’s possible for everyone to write a book.”

Several students from the school told Daniels about books they had written. A third-grader asked how she got published.

“We sent our book to several publishing companies until someone said they wanted to print it,” she said, adding she and Nicewander began writing the book about 10 years ago.

Shadow Tail is Daniels’ first book, other than writing a cookbook, she told students. It deals with issues related to peer pressure and adjusting to a new neighborhood after moving. Several students asked why she wanted to write a book. Daniels said after reading many children’s books to her four daughters, and after Nicewander spent time reading to her two children, the two women wanted to write one of their own. The first lady said she always enjoyed the Berenstain Bears books and wanted the book she wrote to be fun while still having a good message.

One first-grader asked her what it’s like to be the governor’s wife.

“It’s lots of fun,” Daniels said. “You get to travel all over the state of Indiana.”

Upland Elementary Principal Michele Lazard said it was a compliment to Cooper’s class that Daniels’ office contacted her for a second visit.

Lazard said it’s useful when anyone comes into the school to read to kids, but especially when the governor’s wife visits.

“I think the kids can look at that and say, ‘Hey, I can do that, too,’” Lazard said of Daniels’ book.

Daniels said she’s been actively visiting schools to promote reading for the past five years. More recently, she began reading the book she co-authored, often at the request of the school. She supports the I Love to Read program and tries to visit any school that requests her. Upland students sent her off with handmade thank you cards and flowers