Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Cocktails & Politics with Governor Eric Holcomb

Jointly offered by The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and American Public Square at Jewell
5:30 PM 7:30 PM
Truman Presidential Library: 500 W US Hwy 24, Independence, MO 64050
11
Oct

Cocktails & Politics with Governor Eric Holcomb

5:30 PM 7:30 PM
Truman Presidential Library: 500 W US Hwy 24, Independence, MO 64050

PAST EVENT: Cocktails & Politics with Indiana Governor, Eric Holcomb (October 11, 2023)

“…until Washington learns how to govern again…”

As Americans look ahead to another presidential election, the nation continues to grapple with the polarization, distrust and gridlock of the politics coming out of Washington D.C.

Conversely, across the nation there are a number of states making meaningful improvements that strengthen local economies, return money to taxpayers, and improve communities through education, infrastructure, jobs and more.

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb joined American Public Square at Jewell and the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library for a special “Cocktails & Politics” program to discuss how Washington might benefit from looking to the states for a guide to solving some of the nation’s biggest challenges. Governor Holcomb shared insights from his work in the state of Indiana, as well as his hopes for the next leaders in Congress and the White House.

Recommended: Governor Eric Holcomb’s OpEd, “America is in what I call the Disaster Paradox. Here’s how we overcome it. The Indianapolis Star, June 14, 2023

This event was brought to you by American Public Square at Jewell and the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum.

       

Program Recording

Our Featured Guest

Eric J. Holcomb, 51st Governor of the State of Indiana, is a lifelong Hoosier and veteran of the U.S. Navy. Elected by his fellow Hoosiers to a second term in 2020, he received the most votes for governor in Indiana history.

During Holcomb’s terms, Indiana employees and employers are enjoying consecutive record-breaking years of job commitments. In 2022, companies committed a record-breaking $22.2 billion in capital investment. In 2023, Forbes ranked Indiana the number one best state in the U.S. to start a business. Actively seeking to build global relationships and attract investments in Indiana’s economic growth, Holcomb has made 14 international trips as governor, visiting more than 20 nations.

Maintaining Indiana’s “Crossroads of America” infrastructure and strengthening Indiana’s connections between our communities is a top priority for Holcomb. He implemented a long-term, fully-funded 20-year, $60 billion Next Level Roads program. In 2019 and again in 2022, CNBC ranked Indiana number one in the nation for infrastructure.

Holcomb has worked to align Indiana’s K-12, higher education, workforce and economic development efforts to empower Hoosiers with the necessary skills to succeed in the economy of the future. He signed into law historic, increased investments in education, including a record $1.9 billion in new funding for education in the current budget. He unveiled the Next Level Jobs program to prepare and connect more Hoosiers to high-demand, high-wage careers.

Holcomb created the Governor’s Public Health Commission in 2021 to study and make recommendations about how Indiana can improve the delivery of public health services throughout the state. For his efforts in the public health arena and focus on helping Hoosiers with substance use disorder recover, the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation honored him with the Circle of Hope Award in 2019.

Holcomb serves on the Executive Committee of the Republican Governors Association and previously served as its policy chairman. In 2018, The Hill named him one of ten governors shaping the future of politics. An article in Governing magazine read, “Indiana’s governor doesn’t scream, doesn’t threaten, and doesn’t even complain. He just wins.”

A lifelong basketball fan, Holcomb has made a basket in each of Indiana’s 92 counties. A collector of presidential signatures, he has documents signed by every U.S. president. He is a graduate of Pike High School in Indianapolis and Hanover College in southeastern Indiana. Prior to his election as Governor in 2016, following an unprecedented 106-day campaign, Holcomb served as Indiana’s 51st Lieutenant Governor.

Holcomb and his wife, Janet, live with their Miniature Schnauzer, Henry, and cat, Topper, in the Governor’s Residence in Indianapolis.