Joining local business leaders at a Southwest Indiana Chamber of Commerce luncheon in Evansville today, State Auditor Suzanne Crouch launched the21st Century Government Transparency tour. The tour seeks input from the public to improve Indiana’s Transparency Portal, a website administered by the State Auditor’s office that gives Hoosiers the opportunity to see exactly how their tax dollars are being spent.

“After traveling to all 92 counties last year and speaking with individuals across the state, it’s clear Hoosiers want their government to be transparent, accountable, efficient and interactive,” said Auditor Crouch. “I look forward to starting a conversation with everyday Hoosiers and community leaders, as we take our presentation across the state and listen to their ideas for improving Indiana’s Transparency Portal.”
While serving as a State Representative, Crouch advocated for legislation creating the Transparency Portal in 2011. Now as State Auditor, she is charged with maintaining Indiana’s award winning portal. In an effort to increase accountability in government by providing greater access to the state’s financial information, Auditor Crouch is seeking input from members of the community for ways to make it easier for Hoosiers to use and understand the data.

“Once again, Indiana has an opportunity to lead the nation in setting a positive example of good government through this project,” Auditor Crouch said. “Improving access to government data and increasing transparency offers an opportunity for the public, the media, legislators and others to scrutinize State spending and look for ways to increase efficiencies, thus providing a way for the State to save taxpayer dollars. Ultimately, greater transparency will give us a more educated citizenry and a more accountable government.”

The Office of Governor Mike Pence announced the following details for the standing honors and a memorial service for former Governor Edgar D. Whitcomb. Governor Mike Pence encourages Hoosiers from around the state to pay tribute to former Governor Whitcomb by signing condolence books at memorial events on Thursday and Friday. Visitors will also have the opportunity to view former Governor Whitcomb’s portrait and bust and learn more about his career and extensive background in public service. In addition, Governor Mike Pence has directed that flags be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on the day of former Governor Whitcomb’s public memorial, Friday, February 12, to honor former Governor Whitcomb’s military and public service to Indiana and the nation.

Thursday, February 11:

12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST – Members of the Indiana State Police and the Indiana National Guard to hold standing honors for former Governor Whitcomb. Members of the public are welcome to attend to pay respects and sign condolence books.

Statehouse – Rotunda, 200 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN

Friday, February 12:

11:15 a.m. EST – Military Department of Indiana Ceremonial Unit Funeral Cortège departs Indiana War Memorial, joined by the Indiana National Guard’s 38^th Infantry Division Band and Indiana State Police. Members of the media may attend and shoot B-roll and take pictures; members of the public are asked to join the ceremony at the Statehouse instead of meeting at the Indiana War Memorial.

Indiana War Memorial, 431 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN

*The cortège will travel south on Meridian Street from the Indiana War Memorial, will turn west on Market Street, and then south on Capitol Avenue. Traffic will be restricted on this route, starting at Meridian Street south of Michigan Avenue, beginning at approximately at 10:45 a.m. EST. Capitol Avenue and Washington Street will also be restricted during the 19-Round Howitzer cannon salute towards the end of the memorial ceremony.

11:20 a.m. EST – Cortège will pause on north side of Monument Circle for flyover (weather permitting)

North spoke of Monument Circle, Indianapolis, IN

11:30 a.m. EST – Cortège arrives at the south entrance of the Statehouse

Statehouse – South Doors, 200 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN

12:00 p.m. EST – Memorial ceremony begins in the rotunda of the Statehouse. Members of the public are welcome to attend the program, pay respects and sign condolence books. Governor Mike Pence, First Lady Karen Pence, and former Governor Whitcomb’s wife Evelyn Whitcomb will lay a wreath at the public memorial.

Statehouse – Rotunda, 200 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN

Starting at approximately 12:30/12:45 p.m. EST –19-Round Howitzer cannon salute, 3 Volley Rifle Salute, and military honors on the south lawn of the Statehouse

Statehouse – South Lawn, 200 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN

Calls Decision “Win for Indiana”

 

Indianapolis – Governor Pence issued the following statement following the Supreme Court’s decision to halt the enforcement of the EPA’s Clean Power Plan while litigation against the rule continues.

“Hoosiers know that coal means jobs and low-cost energy for our state, and tonight’s Supreme Court decision to put President Obama’s carbon dioxide regulations on hold is a win for Indiana.  The Clean Power Plan exceeds the authority granted to the EPA under the Clean Air Act, and I am pleased that it will not be enforced while the lawsuit filed by Indiana and 28 other states and state agencies moves through the courts.  Hoosiers may be assured that our state will continue to use every legal means available to fight President Obama’s war on coal.”

Governor Pence announced on October 23, 2015 that Indiana would join a coalition of states in challenging the legality of the Clean Power Plan.