Statement on 2018 Election Results

(INDIANAPOLIS) - The Indy Chamber and its Business Advocacy Committee reacted tonight to preliminary election results from across Central Indiana.

With an aggressive advocacy agenda that extends from school boards to the Statehouse, the region’s largest business organization backed a number of growth-minded legislative candidates and supports continued progress in the Indianapolis Public Schools, endorsing the capital and operating referenda that earned wide margins of victory today. Indy Chamber Chief Policy Officer Mark Fisher made the following statement:

Indianapolis Public Schools earn voter support for higher salaries, continued progress

“Tonight, voters across Indiana’s largest school district made it clear they want IPS to have the financial wherewithal to continue on its upward trajectory – higher graduation rates, more educational options to meet the diverse needs of students, better pay for teachers and principals to work where their talents are needed most. With successful capital and operating referenda, IPS can invest in safer schools and competitive salaries.

“We also congratulate Evan Hawkins on joining the IPS Board of Commissioners, and await final results from other IPS races. Superintendent Ferebee and this Board have worked to transform the district for the better. They’ve been transparent and collaborative in working with us on an operational assessment and referendum plan that protects taxpayers and educational progress, by finding efficiencies and focusing more resources on academics and educators. We look forward to continuing our partnership with a reform-minded school board committed to student success.”

Chamber-endorsed legislative candidates fare well across Central Indiana

“We also congratulate the many candidates – incumbents and challengers alike – for General Assembly backed by the Chamber’s Business Advocacy Committee who earned the support of their districts today,” Fisher continued.

“The next session of the Indiana General Assembly will write a two-year budget for the state but also grapple with challenges that will affect our state for two decades and beyond: Our priorities include protecting Hoosiers from hate crimes, investing in education and training, taking on tobacco to improve public health and workforce productivity, new incentives for industrial redevelopment…the list goes on. We’re eager to work with tonight’s victors on a winning agenda for Indy’s economy.

“Included in this group, we want to recognize J.D. Ford in Senate District 29 for running an energetic campaign with hard work and constructive ideas. J.D. will give District 29 the thoughtful representation it deserves, and add momentum to the important push for action on bias crimes."