Let’s face it. All of the talk about fixing the economy, lowering taxes, and budget cuts can seem boring or even irrelevant to the younger generation. With many students just beginning to enter the workforce as part-time employees, economy-centered politics may be confusing. Though fiscal policies will have an affect on all citizens, Indiana’s candidates for governor were able to answer a few questions about their political beginnings and real student issues.
By Caroline Utz
Meet Mike Pence
Why do you think it’s important for young voters to participate in the voting process? How can they be encouraged to get to the polls on election day?
The way we handle the issues that impact our state today will affect Hoosiers for generations to come.
Those who vote will determine the future. I hope every young voter wants to be part of that decision making process. I feel strongly about the democratic process and urge each and every registered voter to make a difference at the local, state and national levels.
Can you explain 3-5 key points of your platform that would resonate with student voters?
I believe our schools should work for our students. Our Roadmap for Indiana addresses ways to continue to improve access to a great education for young Hoosiers. My plan calls for increased high school graduation rates across the state. In addition, upon graduation, I believe Indiana students should be prepared to enter the workforce or seek higher education. To this end, we have proposed an increase in career, technical and vocational education in Indiana high schools and to make college more accessible and affordable for Hoosiers in all corners of the state.
How did you become involved in politics and what has kept you in this career path for so long?
Growing up, my childhood heroes were my dad, President John F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Their work inspired me to pursue a life of public service. In high school, I served as the youth coordinator of the Democrat Party in Bartholomew County. In the early 1980s I was drawn to the Republican Party by Ronald Reagan’s conviction, values and fiscal policies, and I’m honored to have served the people of Indiana as a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives these past years. The importance of youth involvement in the democratic process cannot be understated. This is a time in the lives of young Hoosiers across the state to learn more about the political opportunities available to them today, get involved and really make a difference in their town, county, state and nation.
Meet John Gregg
Why do you think it’s important for young voters to participate in the voting process?
Our state government affects everyone, from the oldest voters in nursing home to the youngest children in pre-kindergarten programs. But our electorate is disproportionately older, and decisions are made by those who show up. If young Hoosiers want their voices heard, they need to get to the polls, and vote for the candidate who will best lift up the next generation. I believe I am that candidate. I want to strengthen K-12 education, make college and technical school more affordable, and create obs in new industries that will employ Hoosiers for generations to come.
How can they be encouraged to get to the polls on Election Day?
The best thing we, as candidates, can do is to talk to papers like this one. We need to make sure our youngest voters know their voice matters. It’s become a cliché, but you really are our future, and any candidate for office who ignores that fact is doing a disservice to our state. I have two sons who just became of voting age, and let me tell you, they’re as sharp as anyone. I think young Hoosiers can think for themselves, and we need to engage you in the political process and not treat you as simply extensions of your parents. That is why I’m asking for your vote.
Can you explain 3-5 key points of your platform that would resonate with student voters?
I am the only candidate in this race that has cut taxes, invested in education and balanced Indiana’s budget, all while working across the aisle in a bi-partisan manner. First, I will invest in education. Indiana is one of eight states that currently do not invest in pre-kindergarten education. Doing so doesn’t just prepare our kids for school; it saves money. Studies show that every dollar spent on pre-K education saves $7 for our education system. We need to invest in our children. Second, we need to make sure that when all Hoosiers graduate from high school, they are either career-ready, or college-ready. Third, we need to create jobs here in Indiana so that young Hoosiers can live and work here if they want. I have proposed targeted tax cuts that will encourage job growth for companies that are headquartered here or hire Hoosiers in areas like research and development. Just as important, we pay for our tax cut as we go along. We do not touch the state’s surplus. Finally, I will eliminate the sales tax on gasoline. Many Hoosiers, especially young Hoosiers, rely on their cars to get to work. For them, gas is a necessity, not a luxury. This tax cut will save the average family over $500 per year and help spur our economy. Again, we pay for this tax cut as we go. We will help ease the pain at the pump without touching the state’s current budget surplus.
How did you become involved in politics?
In the seventh grade, I went door to door for a candidate who was running for precinct committeeman. I have always loved politics and I became a precinct committeeman when I was 19 and a freshman at VU. I joined the Young Democrats when I was 18. I think that politics is a way to bring people together to work towards a common goal and a better future, and I encourage young Hoosiers throughout the state to get involved in the political process at a young age.
*Libertarian candidate Rupert Boneham was contacted and did not reply.
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