News Local/State

Pence Moves Outside Indy to Find Tax Cut Support

 

Gov. Mike Pence is working outside the Statehouse to campaign for a signature tax cut state lawmakers have hesitated to embrace this session.

Pence has spent most of his nearly two months in office on the road, working Republican fundraisers and jobs announcements with one message: Tell your state representative or senator to support my tax cut.

There's some evidence that tack is working. Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma wrote to Republican county chairmen defending his decision to swap the tax cut for more spending.

Pence aides are building support on social networks. Indiana tea partyers are also pressing individual lawmakers.

Cash-strapped local leaders say the money is needed for roads.

The House budget doesn't include the tax cut. Lawmakers say they'll revisit it once they have April's revenue forecast.