Governor talks immigration, property taxes

During his administration, Gov. Mitch Daniels has come to learn a lot about unpredictable weather, property taxes, immigration and the many other issues that affect the lives of Indiana residents.

But sitting at breakfast Thursday morning at The Townhouse Café (known as Betty's Townhouse to locals) in Seymour, there is one subject he says he knows even more about.

"I'm somewhat of an expert when it comes to biscuits and gravy," he said, offering his compliments to Townhouse owner Connie Stockhover. "And I would rate these in my top five."

Stockhover graciously thanked Daniels and refilled his mug with fresh-brewed coffee.

"Now that's all homemade, you know," she said of the meal, which included fried eggs, buttered toast, crisp strips of bacon and a tall glass of fresh, cold orange juice.

"I never would have thought otherwise," Daniels said, smiling.

Flooding

Fresh from signing a property tax relief bill Wednesday, Daniels was in high spirits and eager to talk to residents, from both Jackson and surrounding counties, and answer questions during his stop in Seymour, before heading southwest to areas near French Lick in Orange County to survey extensive damage from this week's flooding.

Daniels said he was aware of major flooding in Jackson County, and expected to declare disaster areas in some counties.

"I don't know for sure if that's what is going to happen, but I would expect so," Daniels said. "I'll be meeting with Homeland Security and state emergency officials to make that determination."

A decision could be made within the next few days, he added.

"It takes a few days to evaluate everything," he said.

By declaring a county a disaster area, residents will have the opportunity to apply for state-provided financial assistance in the form of low-interest loans, Daniels added.

Immigration

Local business owner Dan McDaniel of Seymour stopped by the Townhouse on Thursday to discuss with Daniels an issue he sees as a real problem in Jackson County - illegal immigration.

McDaniel said he is tired of seeing companies hire illegal immigrants and fed up with the state providing welfare benefits to them.
"The issue I have is the benefits these people are getting," he said.

Daniels said he agreed that illegal immigration is a concern not only in Jackson County, but across the state and country.

"I was surprised and disappointed that we didn't get a bill passed," Daniels said, referring to immigration bills presented by Sen. Mike Delph, R-Carmel, and Rep. Eric Koch, R-Bedford, that would have fined companies for knowingly employing illegal immigrants and cut off non-emergency public benefits to them.

One concern Daniels has, however, is the number of unfilled jobs that would be created by passing such legislature. He pointed out that Indiana has the lowest unemployment rate in the Midwest and the lowest the state has seen in the past six years.

"If they weren't there, are there people lined up to take those jobs?" Daniels asked McDaniel. "We have to use every employee we have."

Daniels said before the state can move much further on the issue, federal law "has to do more," and should "accommodate for temporary worker status."

"The problem traces back to federal failure," he said. "We need to find practical, real world solutions."

Property taxes

Many questions from those who attended the breakfast meeting, including local school and government officials, were about the new property tax relief bill passed last week - one Daniels said he is pleased with.

"It's about putting the tax payers first," he said of the main objective of the legislation, which will give tax cuts to homeowners this year and cap future bills. "We will now be adjusting government spending to what the tax payers can afford and not the other way around."

Daniels said the legislation will help those families facing foreclosure on their homes.

"I am happy on behalf of all taxpayers, especially those teetering on the edge of losing their homes," he said.

He also said the new legislation offers schools and local governments "huge opportunities to become more efficient," and put more money where it matters most.

"It's very manageable," he said of the future effect of the bill on schools and local governments, which rely on property tax money for funding. "There will be growth in funding, but it may be slow at first."

Lower property taxes will also make the state look good to businesses and investors, he added, and make home ownership more affordable.

Daniels said he valued the many months spent on trying to reach an agreement on property tax relief.

"I hope we look back on it as a healthy exercise in democracy," he said. "I think we have all learned a lot."

Iraq

Just one day after the fifth year anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, Daniels also spoke briefly of Indiana's involvement in the war on terrorism, saying he "thinks about the soldiers every day" and will do all he can to support the Indiana National Guard now and in the future.

Welfare privatization

One last topic Daniels touched upon was the privatization of the state's welfare system.

"We have one of the worst welfare systems in the country," he said, citing that Indiana has the poorest record when it comes to getting people back to work and protecting children from abuse.

"Something had to change," he said. "By hiring IBM to oversee the administration of the program, we're trying to modernize it and make it more accessible and fair."

Staying in touch

When it comes to visiting various counties, Daniels said he feels it's important to hear the concerns directly from the people. He even stays overnight with local families instead of booking a hotel room.

"It started as a way to save money," he said of the practice, "But it's just become a part of what we do. I always say this is where we get our marching orders, and that is why I spend so much time traveling the state, to stay in touch with the people."