In the wake of the 2024 elections, Indiana's newly elected officials are setting their sights on the future of the state. Sen. Mike Braun, who has been elected as the governor of Indiana, shared his vision for the state on Wednesday."As governor, I'll work to advance Indiana's economy, infrastructure, and business climate," said Braun. "It's going to be my vision of being an entrepreneurial governor that's going to be conservative on the financial side, but very entrepreneurial on the problem-fixing side."Republican leaders are optimistic about Braun's vision. Steve Burks, who was re-elected as Floyd County's Treasurer (and is the county's GOP chairman), said Braun should consider tax reforms."We have individuals who've worked their whole life to purchase a house -- but at the end of the day, they never really own it because their property taxes are so exorbitant," said Burks.The election results have also resonated with local voters. Billy Edelen, a small business owner, expressed his satisfaction with the Republican victories."I'm big about pumping your local economy. I live right down the street. I'm walking, grabbing a coffee. Support your local businesses because we feel it. You know, if I make 15% more revenue in a month, right? That's different for me versus Walmart," said Edelen.Not all reactions were positive. Pent Amsler, a college student, voiced concerns about the social implications of the GOP's triumph."I'm always worried about the future -- I mean, growing up in America is a good thing for a lot of people, but at the same time, you can feel kind of being enclosed," said Amsler.Despite differing views, there is a consensus on the importance of community collaboration moving forward."We may not all agree, but let's agree that -- we work better when we're together," said Burks.Edelen added, "I would probably say I feel like I'm on, you know, the winning team a little bit -- but I don't mean I'm against, like, another team, if that makes sense.""I feel like if we all rely on each other, we could have some connection -- but in the end, it's about who you are and what you're willing to do for yourself and people around you," Amsler said.
In the wake of the 2024 elections, Indiana's newly elected officials are setting their sights on the future of the state. Sen. Mike Braun, who has been elected as the governor of Indiana, shared his vision for the state on Wednesday.
"As governor, I'll work to advance Indiana's economy, infrastructure, and business climate," said Braun. "It's going to be my vision of being an entrepreneurial governor that's going to be conservative on the financial side, but very entrepreneurial on the problem-fixing side."
Republican leaders are optimistic about Braun's vision. Steve Burks, who was re-elected as Floyd County's Treasurer (and is the county's GOP chairman), said Braun should consider tax reforms.
"We have individuals who've worked their whole life to purchase a house -- but at the end of the day, they never really own it because their property taxes are so exorbitant," said Burks.
The election results have also resonated with local voters. Billy Edelen, a small business owner, expressed his satisfaction with the Republican victories.
"I'm big about pumping your local economy. I live right down the street. I'm walking, grabbing a coffee. Support your local businesses because we feel it. You know, if I make 15% more revenue in a month, right? That's different for me versus Walmart," said Edelen.
Not all reactions were positive. Pent Amsler, a college student, voiced concerns about the social implications of the GOP's triumph.
"I'm always worried about the future -- I mean, growing up in America is a good thing for a lot of people, but at the same time, you can feel kind of being enclosed," said Amsler.
Despite differing views, there is a consensus on the importance of community collaboration moving forward.
"We may not all agree, but let's agree that -- we work better when we're together," said Burks.
Edelen added, "I would probably say I feel like I'm on, you know, the winning team a little bit -- but I don't mean I'm against, like, another team, if that makes sense."
"I feel like if we all rely on each other, we could have some connection -- but in the end, it's about who you are and what you're willing to do for yourself and people around you," Amsler said.