Celebrating School Choice Week and Job Wins

Dear John,

Our party has long fought to ensure parents, not bureaucrats, are in charge of our children’s education. With universal school choice now the law of the land, unprecedented literacy scores and graduation rates, increased teacher pay, and accountability restored in our schools, we have a whole lot to celebrate this School Choice Week. At the same time, record participation in Career and Technical Education is enabling more Hoosier students to graduate with valuable skills, credentials, and a clear path forward. Whether our students choose to start college, serve in the armed services, or go straight into the workforce, we are working hard to ensure they are prepared for their future.

This same entrepreneurial Republican leadership is what has enabled Indiana to outpace our neighbors in job and wage growth, and we remain laser-focused on incentivizing businesses to come to our state and invest in their employees once they're here. Programs like Power Up Indiana are enabling Hoosiers to step into higher-paying, in-demand careers, while businesses strengthen their workforces and stay competitive. Thanks to our region-led economic model, we are lifting up communities across Indiana, and job creators have taken notice.

In 2026, our goal is simple: build on what’s working, keep education focused on students and parents, and keep Indiana growing as the Midwest’s engine for jobs, wages, and opportunity.

As always, thank you for being a part of our team, and please feel free to reach out if there's any way I can be of assistance.

Yours in service,

Lana Keesling, Indiana GOP Chairwoman

Governor Braun's Power Up Initiative Strengthens Hoosier Workforce

Governor Braun highlighted the impact of Power Up Indiana, pointing to success stories from employers and Hoosier workers across the state. The initiative is helping businesses of all sizes invest in their employees, raise wages, and build a more competitive talent pipeline for the future.

"Power Up Indiana is proving that workforce development isn’t just good for business – it’s life-changing for Hoosiers and their families. We’re proud to celebrate these success stories and the employers who are shaping a future where every Hoosier has the opportunity to build a rewarding career right here in our state."

- Governor Braun via a press release

Gov. Mike Braun Celebrates Impact of Indiana's Career and Technical Education Programs as Pathway to Well-Paying Jobs

At a Statehouse proclamation signing declaring February 2026 as Career and Technical Education Month, Governor Braun and Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner celebrated record participation in CTE, highlighting the progress the programs have made in equipping students with in-demand skills and credentials that prepare them for high-wage careers and a strong start after graduation.

"Career and Technical Education prepares Hoosier students for the most in-demand careers that power our economy. Our North Star is more jobs and higher wages, and career and technical training is a big part of getting there. Indiana’s CTE programs are giving students transferable skills and a clear pathway to success after graduation."

- Governor Braun via a press release

Gov. Mike Braun Welcomes John Deere Expansion to Northwest Indiana, 150 New Hoosier Jobs

Governor Mike Braun announced that John Deere will invest $125 million to build a state-of-the-art 1.2 million-square-foot distribution center in Lake County, creating approximately 150 above-average-wage jobs in northwest Indiana.

"Our state's location as the Crossroads of America makes it the ideal destination for companies of all sizes to serve customers across the U.S. and around the world. John Deere’s expansion to Indiana is a testament to our business-first environment, our robust manufacturing sector, and our strong pipeline of skilled talent."

- Governor Braun via a press release

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Governor Mike Braun commended the coordinated response of first responders and state agencies in response to this week's extreme weather, saying, "I want to thank our first responders, emergency responders, snowplow operators, Indiana National Guardsmen and volunteers who selflessly dedicated these last 72 hours to the public safety of our state."

Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith spoke at the Indiana March for Life, calling on Hoosiers across the state to continue standing up for the sanctity of life.

Secretary Diego Morales continued his series highlighting election security reforms, saying, "Voter ID protects election integrity, and I will always stand up for our strong voter ID laws—here at home and across the nation."

Treasurer Daniel Elliott celebrated school choice week, saying, "Every student learns differently, and allowing them to find the right learning environment can unlock every child’s potential."

Attorney General Todd Rokita commended his appeals team for ensuring a rapist who kidnapped a woman and kept her caged will stay behind bars, saying, "The details of this case are horrific and heart-breaking. I commend our team’s hard work to ensure justice is done in grossly disturbing cases like this one and in every case our team works on behalf of victims and all Hoosiers.”

Senator Todd Young introduced legislation to promote U.S. sports diplomacy, saying, "Our bill will ensure the U.S. maximizes these moments to showcase American excellence, strengthen relationships with allies, and demonstrate that when America hosts the world, we do it better than anyone."

Senator Jim Banks celebrated the Senate HELP Committee's unanimous passage of his Tyler's Law, which would direct HHS to issue guidance on requiring fentanyl testing for overdoses at hospitals.

Congressman Rudy Yakym voted to pass two commonsense, pro-family bills that support pregnant women and ensure all mothers are empowered to succeed.

Congressman Marlin Stutzman introduced the Chemical Abortion Awareness Act, which will create new requirements for communicating chemical abortion risks for providers who receive federal funds. This legislation came on the same day as thousands of American patriots flocked to Capitol Hill to stand up for the lives of the unborn.

Congressman Jim Baird supported the Stop Citizenship Abuse and Misrepresentation (SCAM) Act, saying, "Becoming a naturalized American citizen is a privilege, not a right. We are uncovering just how many people have come to our country, hurt the American people, or exploited the benefits of citizenship for criminal activity. These people must be held accountable and removed if necessary."

Congresswoman Victoria Spartz testified before the House Rules Committee on their amendments to restore Delphi retirees’ pensions and bring long-overdue justice to blue-collar workers who were wronged by the government for political reasons.

Congressman Jefferson Shreve introduced the In Good Standing Adoption Act to expand resources for mothers considering adoption and to help ensure children are placed safely and responsibly, saying, "Too many mothers are forced to rely on unreliable adoption information. This bill brings needed transparency by providing a clear, trustworthy list of licensed agencies — protecting mothers and children."

Congressman Mark Messmer secured new funding for major projects in Indiana’s 8^th Congressional District, saying, "Federal funding for new infrastructure in Greene and Vanderburgh Counties, and investments in other priorities throughout southern Indiana, will benefit the needs of families in our IN-08 community for many years to come."

Congresswoman Erin Houchin secured nearly $7.5 million for Indiana's 9^th Congressional District, saying, "(This appropriations package) ensures Indiana’s 9th District receives meaningful investments in infrastructure, public safety, and community development. I will continue working to make sure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and that our district’s needs remain a top priority."

Upcoming Events

January 29: Fortville-McCordsville Republican Club Meeting

February 4: Washington Township Lincoln Day Dinner

February 7: Pulaski County Lincoln Day

February 7: Biscuits & Politics Legislative Breakfast

February 20: Congress of Counties 2026

February 28: Carroll County Lincoln Day Dinner

March 16: Hamilton County Lincoln Day Dinner

March 31: Hancock County Lincoln Day Dinner

April 9: Wells County Lincoln Day Dinner

April 10: Dearborn County Lincoln Day Dinner

April 17: DeKalb County Lincoln Day Dinner