Infrastructure improvements

Thompson: Doubling down on Indiana’s infrastructure will creates jobs, attracts businesses

INDIANAPOLIS – Candidate for State Senate Brad Thompson outlined his approach to rebuilding Indiana’s crumbling infrastructure and fueling job creation. Thompson’s proposal centered on providing the resources needed to develop an efficient network of infrastructure that drives down costs for Hoosier businesses and puts money back in working families’ wallets.

“It’s time to invest in Indiana’s future and rebuild our aging infrastructure,” said Thompson. “We’ve got an opportunity to cut costs for businesses and put Hoosiers back to work earning wages you can raise a family on.”

Thompson’s initiatives include leveraging capital from the state’s $2 billion in reserves in the form of low interest loans to local governments to fund needed repair to roads, bridges, sewers and other vital infrastructure. Interest on the loans will be reinvested back into the fund.

“Infrastructure investment is a tried and true jobs creator. Every dollar invested nets $1.59 in additional economic growth and every $10 million invested creates as many as 570 jobs and as much as $32 million in sales for Indiana businesses,” said Thompson. “Let’s give cities and towns the tools they need in a way that will sustain our roads and bridges for years to come.”

Relocating businesses regularly cite robust infrastructure and a highly educated workforce as key criteria when selecting a new location. Hoosier businesses are saddled with extra costs from delays and damage caused by inefficient and inferior infrastructure.

“The General Assembly is costing local businesses money by not addressing the state’s infrastructure needs. That’s revenue that could be used to expand and hire new employees.” Thompson said. “I’m invested in providing the resources local businesses need to hire more workers and get our economy back on track.”

Thompson: Shift priority toward funding local infrastructure projects

INDIANAPOLIS- July 23rd candidate for State Senate Thompson released a package of legislation initiatives addressing Indiana’s sagging infrastructure. The proposal aims to refocus infrastructure funding toward local roads, bridges and other infrastructure, develop a sustainable funding sources that does not jeopardize future generations and create a robust network of infrastructure that allows businesses to locate and grow in Indiana.

“As many as 25 percent of Indiana’s bridges are rated either structurally deficient or functionally obsolete, once paved local roads are being turned back to gravel. Indiana needs real leadership on infrastructure now,” said Thompson. “For too long legislators have relied on budgeting gimmicks and shortcuts to maintain Indiana’s roads and the results are clear.”

To address local infrastructure Thompson proposes restructuring the gasoline sales tax formula to divert additional funding to local governments.

“It’s clear that local governments need resources to repave city streets and maintain local bridges,” Thompson noted. “I will insure the General Assembly acts to restore balance and redirect funding to where it’s needed most, in our neighborhoods.”

The legislature has not only failed to act in recent year to provide adequate funding to infrastructure repair but they have also knowingly employed questionable accounting practices to divert funding from needed projects.

“Lawmakers looted the Motor Highway Vehicle Fund for $127 million to fill budget shortfalls in other state agencies,” Thompson said. “I would carry legislation ensuring the taxpayers that funding intended for infrastructure repair is used for just that. It’s about prioritizing our future.