Big Wins In Education, Economic Development This Session
 BY State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville) represents House District 78
Opportunities to land a great job, start a business, or go to school are what help make Indiana a magnet for growth. During this legislative session, I supported several new policies and investments aimed at attracting more employers, good-paying jobs, and educational opportunities to Southwest Indiana and our state.
Indiana continues to attract new, diverse talent. While neighboring states lost population, Indiana gained over 20,000 new residents from 2020 to 2021, according to the U.S. Census. To continue that growth, our next state budget directs $500 million to the successful Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI), which focuses on expanding our workforce and increasing Hoosiers’ quality of life. The Southwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, which represents Vanderburgh, Warrick, Gibson, and Posey counties, received a $50 million READI award to help support many projects in our region like the Warrick County Sports Center and the Koch Family Children’s Museum of Evansville. I look forward to seeing continued growth thanks to the state’s renewed investment in this statewide program.
I also joined my fellow lawmakers in strengthening our investment in K-12 education. The Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corp. is projected to receive a 5 percent increase over the biennium, and the Warrick County School Corporation is projected to receive a 7 percent increase.
In higher education, the University of Southern Indiana is projected to receive a 6 percent increase in state funding over the biennium. The Early College Bridge Program, designed to help students earn college credits while still in high school, received $1.2 million to help continue student success. Also, USI received $83 million for renovations and improvements on campus.
Additionally, $16.3 million in new in-state funding for adult education programs will help jump-start the new Evansville Excel Center, giving residents an opportunity to earn their high school diploma. The Center will feature state-of-the-art classrooms, childcare accommodations and transportation to classes scheduled for morning, noon, and night.
Overall, Indiana and our corner of the state had big wins this legislative session that was focused on fueling economic development and educational opportunities. I look forward to using this interim to meet with residents and stakeholders for new ideas to continue to build on this momentum. If you have questions or concerns, I encourage you to reach out to me by calling 317-232-9815 or by emailing h78@iga.in.gov.
