Mike Pence visits IU campus

Gov. Mike Pence reminded a cluster of constituents gathered Wednesday that this is no ordinary time in the life of the Hoosier state.

The recently inaugurated governor visited IU Thursday to address the Kiwanis Club of Bloomington at the Indiana Memorial Union, discussing his vision for Indiana’s future.

Pence addressed issues surrounding Indiana’s economy, education system and job market prospects.

According to the group’s website, the Kiwanis Club of Bloomington primarily services area children and the local community through activities and service events. The club hosts weekly luncheons every Thursday at the IMU.

“Some of the events that the Bloomington Kiwanis Club are known for is our annual pancake breakfast, spaghetti dinner and veterans program,” said Vanessa McClary, governor elect of the Indiana district of Kiwanis.

In addition to annual projects, the Kiwanis club also organizes events with other community service clubs.

Throughout his speech, Pence emhpasized collaboration and community values.

Pence said he believes that in order for the state to prosper, the Hoosier community will need to renew its commitment to the policies, practices and directions Indiana has been working toward for the last several years.

“Our state is on the verge of an era of growth and opportunity like no other in our lifetime,” Pence said.

In addition, he also addressed the progress Indiana has made in the last eight years, which he said includes the promotion of economic freedom in the workplace, achieving the largest budget surplus in the state’s history and the recent educational reforms that aid underprivileged families.

Pence said to achieve success in the marketplace, it must first come in the classroom.

Too many schools, he said, are lagging behind, citing  his proposals for increased funding for K-12 schools in the next two years and creating regional work councils to provide high school students with more career opportunities.

Pence touched on the issue of unemployment and said a quarter of a million Hoosiers are currently out of work.

Pence said he intends to lower income tax by 10 percent across the board for every state resident within the next few years.

“This is Indiana’s moment,” Pence said. “I think we have an opportunity to put Hoosiers back to work and make Indiana first in job creation, education and quality, but it’s going to take all of us to do it.”