State Rep. Frye: Optimistically Heading Into 2021

Frye says Indiana remained fiscally strong and responsible during a trying year of 2020.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - The year 2020 shared many challenges and trying times. As many states struggle to bounce back, Indiana is fortunate enough to remain fiscally strong and responsible, while also working to ensure public health and safety for all Hoosiers. Heading into 2021, let's count our blessings and work to make this coming year a better one. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel as more people head back to work and COVID-19 vaccines are starting to be distributed to Hoosiers.

Indiana's unemployment rate remains one of the lowest among the Midwest with only Minnesota being lower. For November, Indiana's unemployment rate was 5%. Indiana's commitment to being fiscally responsible establishes it as a state where job creators want to move and expand their businesses. According to Gov. Eric Holcomb, Indiana is on track to attract a record number of new jobs over the next few years, and we created approximately 28,000 more jobs in 2020 than 2019.

Despite the impacts of COVID-19 on the economy, Indiana was able to invest more than $101 million into matching grants for road and bridge improvements and put $51 million toward broadband expansion projects.

As our state continues to battle the virus, we know the end to this pandemic is near. Around 76,000 Hoosiers received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 110,000 more are expected to get their first doses by Jan. 4. The timeline for making the vaccine available to wider populations is still unknown, but our state leaders are working tirelessly to develop and solidify a distribution plan.

Heading into 2021, there will be plenty of challenges to face but also new reasons for hope. Indiana is working hard to maintain its strong fiscal health, and the General Assembly will work to pass a balanced biennial budget that continues to invest in Hoosiers. Contact my office at h67@iga.in.gov or 317-234-9450 with any questions or input as we head into the 2021 legislative session. You can also sign up for my weekly e-newsletter to stay up-to-date on local and state news and opportunities at in.gov/h67.