It’s an often-heard phrase in the Statehouse: “Indiana’s a state that works.”
Governor Pence has made the catchphrase a cornerstone of his economic policies.
Now, that slogan is embedded on the Indiana Government Center North and the One North Capitol buildings that surround the Statehouse.
The materials and installation of the signs, which were added in 2014 and 2015, cost just shy of $300,000 .
Indiana Democratic Party Spokesperson Drew Anderson calls it a waste of taxpayer funds.
“Governor Pence could have used Hoosier tax dollars more wisely like fighting the recent spike in child neglect or abuse cases or providing funding for domestic violence programs,” Anderson says.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation purchased the signs with its taxpayer-supported marketing budget. Spokesperson Abby Gras says the IEDC was given $3 million between 2013 and 2015 for promotional purchases, meaning the signs represent only 10-percent of that marketing fund.