http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/ en Copyright 2008 2008-07-23T19:31:00Z http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/mayors_for_jill_committee_announced/ http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/mayors_for_jill_committee_announced/ INDIANAPOLIS - Today Democratic Gubernatorial nominee Jill Long Thompson named 12 mayors from around the state as co-chairs of her campaign's newly created "Mayors for Jill Committee." The committee will assist the Long Thompson campaign in developing policy, fundraising and voter outreach. The leadership team has also been charged with recruiting and engaging other Indiana mayors throughout the state in the campaign. To read more, click here.  NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release: July 23, 2008                             Media Contact: Jeff Harris, 317-635-5455 "MAYORS FOR JILL COMMITTEE" ANNOUNCED Group will assist in policy development, fundraising, voter outreach   INDIANAPOLIS - Today Democratic Gubernatorial nominee Jill Long Thompson named 12 mayors from around the state as co-chairs of her campaign's newly created "Mayors for Jill Committee." The committee will assist the Long Thompson campaign in developing policy, fundraising and voter outreach. The leadership team has also been charged with recruiting and engaging other Indiana mayors throughout the state in the campaign. "I am honored to have the support of these outstanding public servants," said Long Thompson. "Together we will work to rebuild our economy and bring prosperity and opportunity to all citizens and communities throughout Indiana." Mayors serving as co-chairs include: Fred Armstrong (Columbus); Rudy Clay (Gary); Doug England (New Albany); Mike Fincher (Logansport); Tom Galligan (Jeffersonville); Greg Goodnight (Kokomo); Tom Henry (Fort Wayne); Sally Hutton (Richmond); Mark Kruzan (Bloomington); Steve Luecke (South Bend); Tom McDermott (Hammond) and Jonathan Weinzapfel (Evansville). "Jill Long Thompson will make an outstanding Governor, and we will do everything we can to ensure her election," said Mayor Weinzapfel, who spoke on behalf of the group. "She understands the struggles our families and our communities are facing and will work with us to move the state forward." Known for her ability to get things done, Jill Long Thompson is an accomplished public servant. She has served as a city councilor, a Congresswoman and as Under Secretary for Rural Development at the United States Department of Agriculture. Long Thompson grew up on her family's farm in rural Whitley County and was the first in her family to go to college. She received her undergraduate degree from Valparaiso University and went on to earn a master's and Ph.D. in business from Indiana University.  A farmer and college professor by trade, Long Thompson lives with her husband Don Thompson, a commercial airline pilot, on their farm in Marshall County. For more information about Jill Long Thompson or her campaign, please visit www.hoosiersforjill.com or call 317-635-Jill. ### 2008-07-23T19:31:00Z http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/hoosier_hometown_tour_continues_in_east_central_indiana/ http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/hoosier_hometown_tour_continues_in_east_central_indiana/ RICHMOND, Ind. - Visiting counties with some of the state's highest unemployment rates, today Jill Long Thompson and Dennie Oxley continued their "Hoosier Hometown Tour" in East Central Indiana. The Democratic nominees for Governor and Lieutenant Governor made stops in Henry, Wayne, Fayette, Shelby and Union Counties on Monday. To read more, click here.     NEWS RELEASE  For Immediate Release: July 21, 2008                                                                                                                      Media Contact: Jeff Harris or Keith Johnson, 317-635-5455   "HOOSIER HOMETOWN TOUR" CONTINUES IN EAST CENTRAL INDIANA Long Thompson, Oxley lay out vision for economic growth   RICHMOND, Ind. - Visiting counties with some of the state's highest unemployment rates, today Jill Long Thompson and Dennie Oxley continued their "Hoosier Hometown Tour" in East Central Indiana.    The Democratic nominees for Governor and Lieutenant Governor made stops in Henry, Wayne, Fayette, Shelby and Union Counties on Monday.   "East Central Indiana has been hit hard by job losses, but it doesn't have to be that way," said Long Thompson. "These communities are much like the small towns that Dennie and I grew up in. There are challenges, but with the right priorities and right leadership, we have tremendous opportunities."   "To turn around this economy, I strongly believe that we must include everyone.  No county, no matter the size or geographic location, should be left out or left behind," added Long Thompson. "That's the fundamental difference between Governor Daniels and me."   On Friday the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the Indiana lost another 17,900 jobs from May to June and had 43,800 fewer jobs compared to June of 2007. Indiana's unemployment rate increase, from 5.3 percent in June to 5.8 percent in May, was the largest increase in the nation.   The same report found that Fayette County had the state's highest unemployment rate at 11.5 percent, with Wayne County's reporting a 7 percent rate, Henry County reporting a 6.8 percent rate and Union County reporting a 6.1 percent joblessness rate.   "Indiana can and should be doing better; these communities can and should be doing better," said Dennie Oxley, the Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor. "However, under Mitch Daniels we continue to fall further and further behind while he keeps telling us everything is going great."    "We cannot continue down the path we are on- good-paying jobs continue to leave Indiana for other states, we are experiencing record high mortgage foreclosures and personal bankruptcies, and the price of food, fuel and taxes are spiraling out of control.  We must take a new approach to turning the economy around."      Indiana now ranks 44th in the nation in personal income growth and Hoosier workers make only 88 cents on the dollar compared to the average American;  approximately 740,000 Hoosiers live in poverty including 260,000 children;  Indiana is among the leading states for home foreclosures, personal bankruptcies and health care costs; more than 850,000 Hoosiers live without access to health insurance and nine working-age Hoosiers die each week because of the lack of health insurance; Indiana has the second worst environmental ranking in the nation,  and nearly one-third of Indiana high school students do not graduate.    "As Governor, I'm going to take an aggressive approach to not only attracting good-paying jobs to communities across this state, but to protecting the jobs that are already here," said Long Thompson. "We can do that by removing some barriers that impede our competitiveness and by targeting our investments in a more strategic way."   Earlier this year, Long Thompson and Oxley began to lay out their plan. The "Grow Indiana Plan," centers on changing state policies to ensure they benefit all 92 counties.  Specifically, they would place performance-based incentives into the state's tax structure to help grow jobs, reform existing law to allow all individuals and businesses who chose to pool together to buy health insurance in bulk, and provide incentives to encourage telecommunications companies to expand into areas where broadband and high-speed internet access is currently not available, or not affordable.   Long Thompson and Oxley have also proposed instituting an "Economic Tiers" program to direct the state's resources to struggling counties.  Under their plan, each of the state's 92 counties would be categorized into three different tiers with the state's economic development dollars delegated accordingly.  The tiers would be updated regularly and determined by several factors, including the county's unemployment rate, median household income, population growth and assessed property value per capita.    This is the third week in which Long Thompson and Oxley have been traveling to communities throughout Indiana on their "Hoosier Hometown Tour." To learn more about their trips and what Hoosiers are saying, visit their blog, which is updated daily at www.hoosiersforjill.com/blog.   For more information about Jill Long Thompson, Dennie Oxley or their campaign to restore Indiana's promise, please visit www.hoosiersforjill.com or call 317-635-Jill.   ###   About Jill Long Thompson Known for her ability to get things done, Jill Long Thompson is an accomplished public servant. She has served as a city councilor, a Congresswoman and as Under Secretary for Rural Development at the United States Department of Agriculture. Long Thompson grew up on her family's farm in rural Whitley County and was the first in her family to go to college. She received her undergraduate degree from Valparaiso University and went on to earn a master's and Ph.D. in business from Indiana University.  A farmer and college professor by trade, Long Thompson lives with her husband Don Thompson, a commercial airline pilot, on their farm in Marshall County.   About Dennie Oxley Dennie Oxley is a 10-year veteran of the state legislature, currently serving as the Majority Whip in the Indiana House of Representatives. A former high school math teacher, school administrator and businessman, Oxley brings a wealth of public and private sector experience to the team. Oxley is a graduate of Indiana University Southeast, where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in education. A lifelong resident of English, a small community in Crawford County, he resides there with his wife, Jayme, and their two young daughters.     2008-07-21T18:31:00Z http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/state_loses_17900_jobs_in_june_long_thompson_calls_for_new_approach/ http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/state_loses_17900_jobs_in_june_long_thompson_calls_for_new_approach/ INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana's struggling economy took another hit today as the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the state lost 17,900 more jobs in June.    Indiana's unemployment rate jumped from 5.3 percent in May to 5.8 percent in June, the largest rate increase in the nation. The report also showed that Indiana had 43,800 fewer jobs compared to June of 2007.  To read more, click here.   NEWS RELEASE  For Immediate Release: July 18, 2008                                                                                                          Media Contact: Jeff Harris, 317-847-4781  STATE LOSES 17,900 JOBS IN JUNE;   LONG THOMPSON CALLS FOR NEW APPROACH Indiana lost 17,900 jobs from May to June; 43,800 from June 2007   INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana's struggling economy took another hit today as the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the state lost 17,900 more jobs in June.    Indiana's unemployment rate jumped from 5.3 percent in May to 5.8 percent in June, the largest rate increase in the nation. The report also showed that Indiana had 43,800 fewer jobs compared to June of 2007.   "These figures are further proof that despite what Governor Daniels would have us believe, our economy has some serious challenges," said Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jill Long Thompson. "Under his watch Indiana consistently leads in all the categories no one should want to lead: mortgage foreclosures; personal bankruptcies; low wage levels and high unemployment.  "I grew up in a working class family. My own mother lost her job when it was shipped to Mexico. I know what the loss of a job does to a family and to a community - it's devastating," added Long Thompson. "However, I am convinced that with the right policies and right leadership we can re-grow this economy and put our families back on stable ground." The economic report comes on the heels of another major blow to Indiana's economy. Just yesterday Monaco Coach Corp., an RV manufacturer in Elkhart County, announced it is shutting down three factories and cutting 1,400 jobs  "To get this economy turned around, the first thing we need is leadership that recognizes there is a problem.  Our families and businesses are suffering, and from his rhetoric it is clear that Mitch Daniels simply doesn't get it," added Dennie Oxley, the Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor. "Since last year nearly 44,000 Hoosiers have lost their jobs, and acting as if those workers and their families aren't hurting is unacceptable." According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Indiana's economy has been in steady decline for more than a year. It found that Indiana's economy virtually stalled in 2007, growing by just 0.3 percent. Only seven states performed worse. "Dennie Oxley and I are committed to rebuilding this economy from the ground up," said Long Thompson, who has a M.B.A. and PhD in business from Indiana University. "We will do that by engaging every community and every citizen across the state - and we will do that by setting new priorities and taking a totally new approach to keeping, growing and attracting jobs in Indiana.  Earlier this year, Long Thompson and Oxley announced their plan for rebuilding Indiana's economy. Specifically, they will work to restructure the state's tax code to make Indiana more competitive and able to retain good-paying jobs. Their proposals center on adopting broad policy that benefit all 92 counties.  In addition, their plan calls for placing specific, performance-based incentives into the tax structure to help grow jobs and change state laws to allow all individuals and businesses who chose to pool together to buy health insurance in bulk. The Democratic candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor have also proposed their "Economic Tiers" program to direct the state's resources to struggling counties.  Under the plan, each of the state's 92 counties would be categorized into three different tiers with the state's economic development dollars delegated accordingly.  The tiers would be updated regularly and determined by several factors, including the county's unemployment rate, median household income, population growth and assessed property value per capita.  Known for her ability to get things done, Jill Long Thompson is an accomplished public servant. She has served as a city councilor, a Congresswoman and as Under Secretary for Rural Development at the United States Department of Agriculture. Long Thompson grew up on her family's farm in rural Whitley County and was the first in her family to go to college. She received her undergraduate degree from Valparaiso University and went on to earn a master's and Ph.D. in business from Indiana University.  A farmer and college professor by trade, Long Thompson lives with her husband Don Thompson, a commercial airline pilot, on their farm in Marshall County  Dennie Oxley is a 10-year veteran of the state legislature, currently serving as the Majority Whip in the Indiana House of Representatives. A former high school math teacher, school administrator and businessman, Oxley brings a wealth of public and private sector experience to the team. Oxley is a graduate of Indiana University Southeast, where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in education. A lifelong resident of English, a small community in Crawford County, he resides there with his wife, Jayme, and their two young daughters. For more information about Jill Long Thompson, Dennie Oxley or their campaign to restore Indiana's promise, please visit www.hoosiersforjill.com or call 317-635-Jill.   ### 2008-07-18T18:00:00Z http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/daniels_rv_1_maker_cuts_1400_jobs_closes_three_factories_in_elkhart_county/ http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/daniels_rv_1_maker_cuts_1400_jobs_closes_three_factories_in_elkhart_county/ INDIANAPOLIS- Residents of northern Indiana received more bad news today, as RV makerMonaco Coach Corporation announced it is eliminating 1,400 good-paying jobs atthree plants in Elkhart County. The company, which built Governor Mitch Daniels'RV1, is transferring some of those jobs to its facilities in Oregon. "Myheart goes out to all of the workers and their families who will be impacted bythis latest string of plant closings," said Jill Long Thompson. "This isanother clear sign of why Indiana desperately needs a change in direction and achange in leadership." "Indianais a world-recognized leader in the production of RV's. We have a strong,highly skilled workforce that knows how to produce them quickly andefficiently. The problem isn't our workforce - it's the economic climate thatthe Daniels administration has created.  Becauseof his leadership, Indiana is a less attractive state to do business in comparedto other states. That's why these jobs are going to Oregon as opposed tostaying here." To read more, click here.  NEWS RELEASE  For Immediate Release: July 17, 2008 MediaContact: Jeff Harris, 317-635-5455 DANIELS' "RV 1" MAKERCUTS 1,400 JOBS;  CLOSES THREE FACTORIES IN ELKHART COUNTY Monaco Coach announcesjob cuts, Long Thompson comments  INDIANAPOLIS- Residents of northern Indiana received more bad news today, as RV makerMonaco Coach Corporation announced it is eliminating 1,400 good-paying jobs atthree plants in Elkhart County. The company, which built Governor Mitch Daniels'RV1, is transferring some of those jobs to its facilities in Oregon. "Myheart goes out to all of the workers and their families who will be impacted bythis latest string of plant closings," said Jill Long Thompson. "This isanother clear sign of why Indiana desperately needs a change in direction and achange in leadership." "Indianais a world-recognized leader in the production of RV's. We have a strong,highly skilled workforce that knows how to produce them quickly andefficiently. The problem isn't our workforce - it's the economic climate thatthe Daniels administration has created.  Becauseof his leadership, Indiana is a less attractive state to do business in comparedto other states. That's why these jobs are going to Oregon as opposed tostaying here." EffectiveSeptember 17, Monaco Coach's Elkhart, Nappanee and Wakarusa plants will shutdown. The facilities in Goshen, Milford and Warsaw will remain open. AsGovernor, Long Thompson has committed to restructuring Indiana's antiquated taxstructure and to changing state polices to allow the state to more easilyattract and retain good-paying jobs. Long Thompson's proposals center on adoptingbroad policy that benefit all 92 counties.  In addition to overhauling the state's taxstructure, her plan calls for placing specific, performance-based incentivesinto the tax structure to help grow jobs, and changing state laws to allowindividuals and small businesses to pool together to buy health insurance inbulk. LongThompson and her running mate, State Rep. Dennie Oxley, have also proposedtheir "Economic Tiers" program to direct the state's resources to strugglingcounties.  Under the plan, each of thestate's 92 counties would be categorized into three different tiers with thestate's economic development dollars delegated accordingly.  The tiers would be updated regularly anddetermined by several factors, including the county's unemployment rate, medianhousehold income, population growth and assessed property value per capita.  TheDemocratic candidates' plan is designed to help lagging economies create,attract and retain good-paying, quality jobs.  "Weneed leadership that recognizes that our economy is in real trouble and thatHoosier families are hurting," added Long Thompson. "As Governor, I will takeproactive steps to stabilize our economy by removing the barriers that preventour companies from staying and growing in Indiana." Known for her ability to get things done, Jill Long Thompson is anaccomplished public servant. She has served as a city councilor, aCongresswoman and as Under Secretary for Rural Development at the United StatesDepartment of Agriculture. Long Thompson grew up on her family's farm in ruralWhitley County and was the first in her family to go to college. She receivedher undergraduate degree from Valparaiso University and went on to earn amaster's and Ph.D. in business from Indiana University.  A farmer andcollege professor by trade, Long Thompson lives with her husband Don Thompson,a commercial airline pilot, on their farm in Marshall County. For more information about Jill Long Thompson, Dennie Oxley ortheir campaign to restore Indiana's promise, please visit www.hoosiersforjill.com or call 317-635-Jill. ###   Recent News 2008-07-17T20:29:01Z http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/long_thompson_daniels_should_return_surplus_dollars_to_hoosier_families/ http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/long_thompson_daniels_should_return_surplus_dollars_to_hoosier_families/ INDIANAPOLIS- Today Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jill Long Thompson issued thefollowing statement in response to state's fiscal year close-out numbers, whichreport a projected $1.4 billion surplus."Today's news is furtherproof that Mitch Daniels can and should take immediate action to help the hardworking Hoosier families that his policies and failed leadership have hurt most.This surplus was createdon the backs of working people - through the increases in property, sales,cigarette and local taxes that Mitch Daniels forced through - and he shouldgive it back.  All across Indiana,Hoosiers are struggling to cope with the skyrocketing costs of health care,food, fuel, taxes and even their mortgage payments while state government issitting on this windfall.To read more, click here.  NEWS RELEASE ForImmediate Release: July 17, 2008Media Contact: Jeff Harris, 317-635-5455LONG THOMPSON: DANIELS SHOULD RETURN SURPLUSDOLLARS TO HOOSIER FAMILIES INDIANAPOLIS- Today Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jill Long Thompson issued thefollowing statement in response to state's fiscal year close-out numbers, whichreport a projected $1.4 billion surplus."Today's news is furtherproof that Mitch Daniels can and should take immediate action to help the hardworking Hoosier families that his policies and failed leadership have hurt most.This surplus was createdon the backs of working people - through the increases in property, sales,cigarette and local taxes that Mitch Daniels forced through - and he shouldgive it back.  All across Indiana,Hoosiers are struggling to cope with the skyrocketing costs of health care,food, fuel, taxes and even their mortgage payments while state government issitting on this windfall.While in Congress, Inever voted to raise taxes because I understand the burden it places onfamilies. As Governor, I will keep that same philosophy of putting peoplefirst. I will restructure our entire tax code to make Indiana more attractivefor businesses and equitable for our families. And, as Governor, I will cap thesales tax Indiana charges on fuel to help permanently reduce the cost of gas.So, today, with thisbudget surplus, I call on Governor Daniels to use his authority to suspend thestate's 7 percent sales tax on gas. Indiana is one of only 7 states to evencharge a sales tax on gas. We have the money to do it and it would go a longway in helping Hoosiers families get back on higher economic ground. It's theleast he can do."Knownfor her ability to get things done, Jill Long Thompson is an accomplishedpublic servant. She has served as a city councilor, a Congresswoman and as UnderSecretary for Rural Development at the United States Department of Agriculture.Long Thompson grew up on her family's farm in rural Whitley County and was thefirst in her family to go to college. She received her undergraduate degreefrom Valparaiso University and went on to earn a master's and Ph.D. in businessfrom Indiana University.  A farmer andcollege professor by trade, Long Thompson lives with her husband Don Thompson, acommercial airline pilot, on their farm in Marshall County.Formore information about Jill Long Thompson or her campaign, please visit www.hoosiersforjill.com or call317-635-Jill.###   2008-07-17T19:53:00Z http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/long_thompson_oxley_continue_hoosier_hometown_tour_in_southern_indiana/ http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/long_thompson_oxley_continue_hoosier_hometown_tour_in_southern_indiana/ LINTON,Ind. - Continuing to engage Hoosiers in often ignored small towns, Jill LongThompson and Dennie Oxley began the second leg of their "Hoosier Hometown Tour"in Southern Indiana today.  This weekthe Democratic candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor plan to makestops in Linton, Washington, Tell City, Petersburg, Mount Vernon, Evansville,Boonville, Corydon, Salem, Scottsburg, Loogootee, Jasper, Clinton and Sullivan,among others.  The pair, which stopped in22 different communities last week, is visiting rural communities todemonstrate their commitment to representing all of Indiana as the state's next Governor and Lieutenant Governor. To read more, click here.  NEWSRELEASE ForImmediate Release: July 15, 2008 MediaContact: Jeff Harris or Keith Johnson, 317-635-5455 LONG THOMPSON, OXLEYCONTINUE "HOOSIER HOMETOWN TOUR" IN SOUTHERN INDIANA LINTON,Ind. - Continuing to engage Hoosiers in often ignored small towns, Jill LongThompson and Dennie Oxley began the second leg of their "Hoosier Hometown Tour"in Southern Indiana today.  This weekthe Democratic candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor plan to makestops in Linton, Washington, Tell City, Petersburg, Mount Vernon, Evansville,Boonville, Corydon, Salem, Scottsburg, Loogootee, Jasper, Clinton and Sullivan,among others.  The pair, which stopped in22 different communities last week, is visiting rural communities todemonstrate their commitment to representing all of Indiana as the state's nextGovernor and Lieutenant Governor.    "Everywherewe go we are meeting Hoosiers who feel left out and left behind by thisadministration," said Long Thompson. "They feel as though Mitch Daniels hasignored them and their communities." "I comefrom a small town and I still live in a rural community, so does Dennie. Weboth understand the challenges these communities face and the potential theyhold," added Long Thompson. "That's why we are taking this tour. We want everyHoosier to know that we are serious about involving them all in rebuilding thiseconomy." LongThompson grew up on her family's farm in Larwill, a small community in WhitleyCounty.  She was the first in her familyto go to college, and earned both a master's and Ph.D. in business from IndianaUniversity.  A college professor andfarmer by trade, Long Thompson also served as a city council woman, a member ofCongress and as the Under Secretary of Rural Development at the United StatesDepartment of Agriculture (USDA) in the Clinton administration. In her five years atUSDA, Long Thompson oversaw a $10 billion budget, 7,000 employees and managed anumber of important programs that provide services to the underservedareas of rural America. Her accomplishments asUnder Secretary include: reforming the single-family loan program, helpingcreate thousands of jobs in economically distressed communities and improvinginfrastructure in rural communities across the country.    Long Thompson now liveson her farm near Argos, in rural Marshall County. "Jill LongThompson has an unprecedented amount of experience working to creategood-paying jobs in struggling communities, and that's what we need right now,"said Oxley, who lives in English a small town in Crawford County. "Because ofwho she is and where she came from, she really understands what it is going totake to restore the promise that this state and these communities once held forour citizens" "As wehave traveled the state in recent weeks Hoosiers are telling us that they arereally worried about the economy, the rising costs of fuel, food andhealthcare, and drastic property tax hikes," added Oxley. "However they areeven more concerned that we seem to have leadership that is out of touch withwhat is happening on the ground in communities all across this state.Everything is not okay, and we need leadership that recognizes that." Indiananow ranks 44th in the nation in personal income growth and Hoosierworkers make only 88 cents on the dollar compared to the average American;  approximately 740,000 Hoosiers live in poverty including 260,000 children;  Indiana is among the leading states for homeforeclosures, personal bankruptcies and health care costs; more than 850,000Hoosiers live without access to health insurance and nine working-age Hoosiersdie each week because of the lack of health insurance; Indiana has the secondworst environmental ranking in the nation; and nearly one-third of Indiana highschool students do not graduate. "Indianafaces a number of problems, but the way to address them is not by glossing overthem and hoping that no one notices," added Long Thompson. "To solve theseproblems we need to bring everyone together to tackle them head on. If we dothat, then every Hoosier and every community will be in a better position toachieve their God-given potential." LongThompson and Oxely are proposing several initiatives to turn around the economyand improve these figures.  Their economicplan, "Re-Invest in Indiana," is centered on adopting broad policy that benefitsall 92 counties.  It includes overhaulingthe state's tax structure by placing specific, performance-based incentivesinto the tax structure, and changing state laws to allow individuals and smallbusinesses to pool together to buy health insurance in bulk. LongThompson and Oxley have also proposed their "Economic Tiers" program to directthe state's resources to struggling counties. Under the plan, each of the state's 92 counties would be categorizedinto three different tiers with the state's economic development dollarsdelegated accordingly.  The tiers wouldbe updated regularly and determined by several factors, including the county'sunemployment rate, median household income, population growth and assessedproperty value per capita.  TheDemocratic candidates' plan is designed to help lagging economies create,attract and retain good-paying, quality jobs.  Additionally,Long Thompson and Oxley plan to bridge the digital divide between suburbanareas and rural and inner-city urban communities by providing incentives toencourage telecommunications companies to expand into these areas wherebroadband and high-speed access is currently not available, or not affordable-animportant factor in spurring growth in small communities.  This weekLong Thompson and Oxley are traveling to communities throughout SouthernIndiana. To learn more about their trips and what Hoosiers are saying, visittheir blog, which is updated daily at www.hoosiersforjill.com/blog. Formore information about Jill Long Thompson, Dennie Oxley or their campaign torestore Indiana's promise, please visit www.hoosiersforjill.com or call 317-635-Jill. ### About JillLong Thompson Known for her ability toget things done, Jill Long Thompson is an accomplished public servant. She hasserved as a city councilor, a Congresswoman and as Under Secretary for RuralDevelopment at the United States Department of Agriculture. Long Thompson grewup on her family's farm in rural Whitley County and was the first in her familyto go to college. She received her undergraduate degree from ValparaisoUniversity and went on to earn a master's and Ph.D. in business from IndianaUniversity.  A farmer and collegeprofessor by trade, Long Thompson lives with her husband Don Thompson, acommercial airline pilot, on their farm in Marshall County. About Dennie Oxley Dennie Oxley is a10-year veteran of the state legislature, currently serving as the MajorityWhip in the Indiana House of Representatives. A former high school math teacher, schooladministrator and businessman, Oxley brings a wealth of public and privatesector experience to the team. Oxley is a graduateof Indiana University Southeast, where he earned his bachelor's and master'sdegrees in education. A lifelong resident of English, a small community inCrawford County, he resides there with his wife, Jayme, and their two youngdaughters.   2008-07-15T16:49:00Z http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/long_thompson_reports_strong_fundraising_numbers/ http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/long_thompson_reports_strong_fundraising_numbers/ INDIANAPOLIS- Showing considerable financial strength, today the campaign of Democraticgubernatorial nominee Jill Long Thompson officially released its fundraisingtotals for the second quarter of 2008.Thecampaign raised $1.6 million in the period compared to incumbent Governor MitchDaniels $1.8 million."Weare extremely happy with these figures," said Travis Lowe, Long Thompsoncampaign manager. "Not only are Jill's numbers on par with other nationallytargeted races, the fact that we nearly matched an incumbent  Governor'sfundraising says a great deal about the strength of this campaign and MitchDaniels' vulnerability."To read more, click here.  NEWS RELEASEFor Immediate Release: June 15, 2008MediaContact: Jeff Harris, 317-635-5455LONG THOMPSON REPORTS STRONG FUNDRAISINGNUMBERSRaises $1.6 million this quarter comparedto Daniels' $1.8 million INDIANAPOLIS- Showing considerable financial strength, today the campaign of Democraticgubernatorial nominee Jill Long Thompson officially released its fundraisingtotals for the second quarter of 2008.Thecampaign raised $1.6 million in the period compared to incumbent Governor MitchDaniels $1.8 million."Weare extremely happy with these figures," said Travis Lowe, Long Thompsoncampaign manager. "Not only are Jill's numbers on par with other nationallytargeted races, the fact that we nearly matched an incumbent  Governor'sfundraising says a great deal about the strength of this campaign and MitchDaniels' vulnerability.""Thisis another sign of the growing fissures in the Republican Party," added Lowe."Mitch Daniels has had to deal with losing a convention fight over his attorneygeneral candidate, a challenge from a sitting Republican Senator and pollnumbers that aren't moving despite spending more than $10 million on hiscampaign.  This just points to the fact that neither Hoosiers, norRepublicans are happy with his leadership. "Nearly90 percent of Long Thompson's donations came from in-state sources and morethan 70 percent were $100 or less.  The campaign also reported more than200 donations of $25 or less, some as low as $5."Thisreport demonstrates the breadth of the support Jill Long Thompson and DennieOxley are enjoying," added Lowe. "They are continuing to travel the state ontheir "Hoosier Hometown Tour," reaching out to Hoosiers and visitingcommunities that have been overlooked by this administration." "Theyare committed to rebuilding this economy and restoring Indiana's promise. Withthis kind of continued support, we will have the resources to continue tospread that message."Knownfor her ability to get things done, Jill Long Thompson is an accomplished publicservant. She has served as a city councilor, a Congresswoman and as UnderSecretary for Rural Development at the United States Department of Agriculture.Long Thompson grew up on her family's farm in rural Whitley County and was thefirst in her family to go to college. She received her undergraduate degreefrom Valparaiso University and went on to earn a master's and Ph.D. in businessfrom Indiana University.  A farmer and college professor by trade, LongThompson lives with her husband Don Thompson, a commercial airline pilot, ontheir farm in Marshall County.DennieOxley is a 10-year veteran of the state legislature, currently serving as theMajority Whip in the Indiana House of Representatives. A former high schoolmath teacher, school administrator and businessman, Oxley brings a wealth ofpublic and private sector experience to the team. Oxley is a graduate ofIndiana University Southeast, where he earned his bachelor's and master'sdegrees in education. A lifelong resident of English, a small community inCrawford County, he resides there with his wife, Jayme, and their two youngdaughters.Formore information on Jill Long Thompson, Dennie Oxley or their campaign torestore Indiana's promise, please visit www.hoosiersforjill.comor call 317-635-Jill.###   2008-07-15T16:44:00Z http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/ibew_endorses_long_thompson_for_governor/ http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/ibew_endorses_long_thompson_for_governor/ INDIANAPOLIS- Adding to the momentum of Jill Long Thompson and Dennie Oxley's campaign torestore Indiana's promise, today the International Brotherhood of ElectricalWorkers (IBEW) Construction Conference officially announced their support.    "I am so pleased that the InternationalBrotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Construction Conference has endorsedJill Long Thompson for Governor," said Jeff Lohman, IBEW's International VicePresident. "The working men and women of this state need someone in the Governor'soffice who is looking out for them - and that's exactly what Jill Long Thompsonand Dennie Oxley have done their entire careers."To read more, click here.  NEWS RELEASEFor Immediate Release: July 14, 2008MediaContact: Jeff Harris or Keith Johnson, 317-635-5455 IBEW ENDORSES LONGTHOMPSON FOR GOVERNORDemocratic ticket earns another major laborendorsementINDIANAPOLIS- Adding to the momentum of Jill Long Thompson and Dennie Oxley's campaign torestore Indiana's promise, today the International Brotherhood of ElectricalWorkers (IBEW) Construction Conference officially announced their support.    "I am so pleased that the InternationalBrotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Construction Conference has endorsedJill Long Thompson for Governor," said Jeff Lohman, IBEW's International VicePresident. "The working men and women of this state need someone in the Governor'soffice who is looking out for them - and that's exactly what Jill Long Thompsonand Dennie Oxley have done their entire careers.""Asour next Governor and Lieutenant Governor, they will fight for working peopleand make growing good-paying jobs that can support a family a priority again,"  added Lohman. "Jill and Dennie are committedto bringing new, sustainable growth to every community and new opportunities toevery citizen. We are proud to endorse them and look forward to working withthem to put Indiana back on track."IBEWrepresents Hoosiers who work in a wide variety of fields, including utilities,construction, broadcasting, telecommunications, manufacturing, and railroads."Weare honored to have the support the IBEW and all their hard working members,"said Long Thompson. "By working together and demanding more than the failedpolicies of the Daniels administration, we can rebuild our economy and chart amore prosperous course for Indiana for generations to come."Thisendorsement is the latest in a growing number of key labor organizations whohave publically pledged support of Long Thompson's campaign. Unions that havepreviously endorsed include: the United Steelworkers; the Service EmployeeInternational Union; Communication Workers of America; the American Federationof Government Employees;  the Retail,Wholesale and Department Store Union; the United Transportation Union; theIndiana State AFL-CIO's  Executive Board;  five local Teamster locals; the United Foodand Commercial Workers Union; Indiana International Association of Machinistsand Aerospace Workers; and Local #446 of Association of Federal, State, Countyand Municipal Employees. Knownfor her ability to get things done, Jill Long Thompson is an accomplishedpublic servant. She has served as a city councilor, a Congresswoman and asUnder Secretary for Rural Development at the United States Department ofAgriculture. Long Thompson grew up on her family's farm in rural Whitley Countyand was the first in her family to go to college. She received herundergraduate degree from Valparaiso University and went on to earn a master'sand Ph.D. in business from Indiana University.  A farmer and collegeprofessor by trade, Long Thompson lives with her husband Don Thompson, acommercial airline pilot, on their farm in Marshall County.DennieOxley is a 10-year veteran of the state legislature, currently serving as theMajority Whip in the Indiana House of Representatives. A former high schoolmath teacher, school administrator and businessman, Oxley brings a wealth ofpublic and private sector experience to the team. Oxley is a graduate ofIndiana University Southeast, where he earned his bachelor's and master'sdegrees in education. A lifelong resident of English, a small community in CrawfordCounty, he resides there with his wife, Jayme, and their two young daughters.Formore information about Jill Long Thompson, Dennie Oxley or their campaign torestore Indiana's promise, please visit www.hoosiersforjill.com or call 317-635-Jill.### 2008-07-14T19:36:00Z http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/sheriffs_to_advise_long_thompson_campaign/ http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/sheriffs_to_advise_long_thompson_campaign/ INDIANAPOLIS- In a sign of her strong commitment to public safety, today DemocraticGubernatorial nominee Jill Long Thompson named three prominent Indiana sheriffsto her campaign's leadership team. MarionCounty Sheriff Frank Anderson, Lake County Sheriff Roy Dominguez and DuboisCounty Sheriff Terry Tanner will serve as co-chairs of her campaign's "LawEnforcement for Jill Committee." "Locallaw enforcement officials need a partner in the Governor's office, and that isexactly what Jill Long Thompson will be," said Sheriff Anderson. "Jill has along record of supporting public safety and has shown a willingness to listento our needs and to work with us.  To read here, click more. NEWS RELEASE ForImmediate Release: July 14, MediaContact: Jeff Harris or Keith Johnson, 317-635-5455 SHERIFFS TO ADVISE LONG THOMPSON CAMPAIGN ThreeCounty Sheriffs named to lead "Law Enforcement for Jill Committee"  INDIANAPOLIS- In a sign of her strong commitment to public safety, today DemocraticGubernatorial nominee Jill Long Thompson named three prominent Indiana sheriffsto her campaign's leadership team. MarionCounty Sheriff Frank Anderson, Lake County Sheriff Roy Dominguez and DuboisCounty Sheriff Terry Tanner will serve as co-chairs of her campaign's "LawEnforcement for Jill Committee." "Locallaw enforcement officials need a partner in the Governor's office, and that isexactly what Jill Long Thompson will be," said Sheriff Anderson. "Jill has along record of supporting public safety and has shown a willingness to listento our needs and to work with us." Thegroup, which will include local law enforcement officials from around thestate, will act as advisors to the Long Thompson-Oxley campaign on publicsafety, homeland security, local government and law enforcement issues.  "The formation of this group is yet anotherclear sign of Jill's leadership style," added Sheriff Tanner. "She and DennieOxley are both committed to bringing people from all corners of the state,sitting down and working together to solve Indiana's problems." "We are all so honored to be asked to leadthis group," said Sheriff Dominguez. "We will do everything we can to help Jillbecome the next Governor of Indiana - because she is exactly the type of leaderwe need right now." Knownfor her ability to get things done, Jill Long Thompson is an accomplishedpublic servant. She has served as a city councilor, a Congresswoman and asUnder Secretary for Rural Development at the United States Department ofAgriculture. Long Thompson grew up on her family's farm in rural Whitley Countyand was the first in her family to go to college. She received herundergraduate degree from Valparaiso University and went on to earn a master'sand Ph.D. in business from Indiana University. A farmer and college professor by trade, Long Thompson lives with herhusband Don Thompson, a commercial airline pilot, on their farm in MarshallCounty.  DennieOxley is a 10-year veteran of the state legislature, currently serving as theMajority Whip in the Indiana House of Representatives. A former high schoolmath teacher, school administrator andbusinessman, Oxley brings a wealth of public and private sector experience tothe team. Oxley is a graduateof Indiana University Southeast, where he earned his bachelor's and master'sdegrees in education. A lifelong resident of English, a small community inCrawford County, he resides there with his wife, Jayme, and their two youngdaughters. Formore information about Jill Long Thompson, Dennie Oxley or their campaign,please visit www.hoosiersforjill.com or call 317-635-Jill. ###   Press release 2008-07-14T17:46:00Z http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/long_thompson_oxley_propose_new_measures_to_engage_all_citizens/ http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/long_thompson_oxley_propose_new_measures_to_engage_all_citizens/ In another sign of their commitment toall citizens and communities, and in conjunction with the start ofIndiana Black Expo, today Jill Long Thompson and Dennie Oxley announceda series of initiatives designed to more fully engage all citizens inIndiana's economic future."Both Dennie and I strongly believe that every community and everycitizen matters - and that all Hoosiers should have the opportunity tofulfill their God-given potential," said Long Thompson. "The challengeswe face are too great to not maximize the diverse talents of all ourcitizens. However, today in Indiana too many people and places arebeing left out and left behind - and that must change."To read more, click here.  NEWS RELEASEFor Immediate Release: July 10, 2008                                  Media Contact: Jeff Harris or Keith Johnson, 317-635-5455LONG THOMPSON, OXLEY PROPOSE NEW MEASURES TO ENGAGE ALL CITIZENSINDIANAPOLIS - In another sign of their commitment to all citizens and communities, and in conjunction with the start of Indiana Black Expo, today Jill Long Thompson and Dennie Oxley announced a series of initiatives designed to more fully engage all citizens in Indiana's economic future."Both Dennie and I strongly believe that every community and every citizen matters - and that all Hoosiers should have the opportunity to fulfill their God-given potential," said Long Thompson. "The challenges we face are too great to not maximize the diverse talents of all our citizens.  However, today in Indiana too many people and places are being left out and left behind - and that must change.""To rebuild this economy and restore the promise that Indiana once held for all of our citizens, everyone must have a seat at the table," added Long Thompson. "As Governor, I will work to ensure all people are actively engaged in Indiana's progress and I will work to ensure our government better reflects the people it represents."As Indiana's next Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Long Thompson and Oxley will institute the following reforms: Expand the responsibilities of the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.  As Governor, Long Thompson will expand the charge of the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (OFBCI) and direct it to work with organizations that focus on: preventing teenage pregnancies, parenting skills, reducing the high school dropout rate and lowering the rate of recidivism in Indiana communities.  Long Thompson will also create a statewide Board of Faith and Community Partnerships to advise the office and her administration on these matters. Currently, the office focuses on providing information, technical assistance and limited grant funding to both community based and faith-based organizations.  Align Indiana's voter identification law with federal standards. To ensure that all Hoosiers have access to the ballot, while preventing voter fraud, as Governor, Long Thompson will seek to align state and federal voter identification laws.  Under her plan, the state would adopt the federal standards put in place by the "National Voter Registration Act of 1993." In addition to the currently accepted forms of identification, this change would allow Hoosiers to use a utility bill, bank statement, government check, current paycheck or other government documents showing the name and address of the voter as proof of identification. Strengthen the Indiana Civil Rights Commission. The Long Thompson-Oxley administration will give the Indiana Civil Rights Commission powers to investigate, remedy cases and work with local authorities to pursue prosecutions in cases of discrimination. Currently the agency only refers complaints to the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.  Increase internet connectivity and access in urban centers. A central component of their "Re-invest in Indiana" economic plan, Long Thompson and Oxley will work to bring broadband and high-speed internet connectivity to every community - with a priority on urban settings currently underserved. "We cannot continue to ignore people or the problems they face," added Oxley. "From the mortgage crisis, the debacle with FSSA's privatization, to the high price of food and fuel, Governor Daniels has continued to neglect the very people he was elected to serve.""To move this state forward we must take off the rose colored glasses, tear down the barriers to opportunity and inclusion and openly and honestly address the challenges our communities - both rural and urban - are facing," added Oxley. "Jill Long Thompson has taken that approach her entire career - and that's why we need her as our next Governor."Demonstrating Long Thompson's and Oxley's commitment to engaging every Indiana community, earlier this year the Democratic team released their economic plan, called "Reinvest in Indiana." The plan calls for revamping the state's tax structure, changing state law to allow businesses and individuals to pool together to buy health insurance in bulk, addressing the state's high school dropout rate by reforming the state's education policy and bringing broadband connectivity to all corners of the state.To grow the economy in struggling areas, they have also proposed an "Economic Tiers" program to direct economic investment in the state's struggling counties. Under the Long Thompson- Oxley plan, the state's 92 counties would be categorized into three different tiers with the state's economic development dollars allocated accordingly. The tiers, which would be updated regularly, would be determined by a county's unemployment rate, median household income, population growth and assessed property value per capita.Known for her ability to get things done, Jill Long Thompson is an accomplished public servant. She has served as a city councilor, a Congresswoman and as Under Secretary for Rural Development at the United States Department of Agriculture. Long Thompson grew up on her family's farm in rural Whitley County and was the first in her family to go to college. She received her undergraduate degree from Valparaiso University and went on to earn a master's and Ph.D. in business from Indiana University.  A farmer and college professor by trade, Long Thompson lives with her husband Don Thompson, a commercial airline pilot, on their farm in Marshall County.Dennie Oxley is a 10-year veteran of the state legislature, currently serving as the Majority Whip in the Indiana House of Representatives. A former high school math teacher, school administrator and businessman, Oxley brings a wealth of public and private sector experience to the team. Oxley is a graduate of Indiana University Southeast, where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in education. A lifelong resident of English, a small community in Crawford County, he resides there with his wife, Jayme, and their two young daughters.For more information about Jill Long Thompson, Dennie Oxley or their campaign to restore Indiana's promise, please visit www.hoosiersforjill.com or call 317-635-Jill. 2008-07-10T16:37:01Z http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/long_thompson_oxley_launch_hoosier_hometown_tour/ http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/long_thompson_oxley_launch_hoosier_hometown_tour/ COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. – Recognizing that that every community matters, today Jill Long Thompson and Dennie Oxley kicked-off their “Hoosier Hometown Tour” in the small communities that have shaped their lives.The Democratic candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor will visit a number of Indiana’s often overlooked communities throughout the summer, meeting with local residents, touring local businesses, stopping by county fairs and announcing their plans to restore Indiana’s promise. “Both Dennie and I grew up and live in small towns. We understand the unique challenges these places and people face,” said Long Thompson, a former Congresswoman and Under Secretary at the United States Department of Agriculture. “We also recognize the tremendous potential that all of our communities have – and as Indiana’s next Governor and Lieutenant Governor we are going to work with local leaders to unlock it.To read more, click here. NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release: July 7, 2008MediaContact: Jeff Harris or Keith Johnson, 317-635-5455 LONG THOMPSON, OXLEY LAUNCH “HOOSIER HOMETOWN TOUR”Democratic candidates will visit smaller communities throughout the state  COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. – Recognizing that that every community matters, today Jill Long Thompson and Dennie Oxley kicked-off their “Hoosier Hometown Tour” in the small communities that have shaped their lives.The Democratic candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor will visit a number of Indiana’s often overlooked communities throughout the summer, meeting with local residents, touring local businesses, stopping by county fairs and announcing their plans to restore Indiana’s promise.“Both Dennie and I grew up and live in small towns. We understand the unique challenges these places and people face,” said Long Thompson, a former Congresswoman and Under Secretary at the United States Department of Agriculture. “We also recognize the tremendous potential that all of our communities have – and as Indiana’s next Governor and Lieutenant Governor we are going to work with local leaders to unlock it.” A native of Larwill, a rural community in Whitley County, Long Thompson began Monday campaigning in nearby Columbia City. Later, she stopped in Huntington, Hartford City and North Manchester, where she once taught at Manchester College.Oxley, who began the day in his hometown of English, in Crawford County, visited Jackson and Bartholomew counties.“I wanted to begin this portion of the campaign, in Northeast Indiana, because that’s where it all began for me,” said Long Thompson who now lives near Argos, a rural community in Marshall County. “It was in these communities and from these people that I learned the value of hard work, unrelenting optimism and the belief that one should never give up or give in.” “I know that Hoosiers all across Indiana share that same outlook and determination, yet today far too many of our citizens don’t have the same opportunities I once did,” added Long Thompson. “We cannot continue to allow state government to ignore huge swaths of the state because a major highway doesn’t connect them or they don’t meet some arbitrary population criteria.” Demonstrating Long Thompson’s and Oxley’s commitment to engaging all communities in Indiana’s economy, earlier this year they released their economic plan, which is centered on helping all communities. The plan calls for revamping the state’s tax structure, changing state law to allow businesses and individuals to pool together buy health insurance in bulk, addressing the state’s high school dropout rate by reforming the state’s education policy and bringing broadband connectivity to all corners of the state.The Democratic team has also previously proposed an “Economic Tiers” program to direct economic investment in the state’s struggling counties. Under Long Thompson’s plan, the state’s 92 counties would be categorized into three different tiers with the state’s economic development dollars allocated accordingly. The tiers, which would be updated regularly, would be determined by a county's unemployment rate, median household income, population growth and assessed property value per capita.“Turning this economy around is going to take more than stepping off an RV in a small town every four years to film another television commercial,” said Oxley, who represents portions of eight Southern Indiana counties the Indiana General Assembly. “It’s going to take the recognition that this is a team effort in which every community and every citizen must have the chance to get in the game.” “Because of who we are and where we come from, both Jill and I are committed to making this happen,” added Oxley. “We know that by including communities of all sizes, we can ensure good jobs, good wages and a better future for all Hoosiers for years to come.”On Tuesday Long Thompson will join Oxley as they continue their “Hoosier Hometown Tour” making several stops in Clay, Morgan, Owen, Putnam and Vigo Counties. Daily blog entries from both Jill Long Thompson and Dennie Oxley detailing their trips can be found at http://hoosiersforjill.com/blog beginning Monday evening. Press release 2008-07-08T01:31:00Z http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/long_thompson_time_for_daniels_to_declare_a_fuel_emergency_suspend_sales_ta/ http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/long_thompson_time_for_daniels_to_declare_a_fuel_emergency_suspend_sales_ta/ INDIANAPOLIS- As Hoosiers families continue to struggle with record-high fuel prices, todayDemocratic gubernatorial nominee Jill Long Thompson re-issued her call for GovernorMitch Daniels to take immediate action to suspend the state's seven percent salestax on gas. Indianais one of only seven states to apply a sales tax to fuel."Withgas prices now averaging $4.11 a gallon and expected to continue to rise throughoutthe summer months, it is time for the Governor to stop stalling and take actionto help Hoosiers cope with these excessive prices," said Long Thompson.  "He has the legal authority to suspend thesales tax on gasoline immediately, and today I am calling on him to finally usethat authority to help Hoosiers."To read more, click here. NEWSRELEASE ForImmediate Release: July 1, 2008MediaContact: Jeff Harris or Keith Johnson, 317-635-5455LONG THOMPSON: TIME FOR DANIELS TO DECLARE A FUEL EMERGENCY; SUSPEND SALES TAXTheaverage price for a gallon of gas reaches $4.11 in Indiana, Daniels ad says hecan't helpINDIANAPOLIS- As Hoosiers families continue to struggle with record-high fuel prices, todayDemocratic gubernatorial nominee Jill Long Thompson re-issued her call for GovernorMitch Daniels to take immediate action to suspend the state's seven percent salestax on gas.Indianais one of only seven states to apply a sales tax to fuel."Withgas prices now averaging $4.11 a gallon and expected to continue to rise throughoutthe summer months, it is time for the Governor to stop stalling and take actionto help Hoosiers cope with these excessive prices," said Long Thompson.  "He has the legal authority to suspend thesales tax on gasoline immediately, and today I am calling on him to finally usethat authority to help Hoosiers."Specifically,Long Thompson is calling on the Governor to suspend the sales tax on fuel for60 days, beginning July 3 and ending on Labor Day. The temporarysuspension would save Hoosier drivers about $122 million."The 4th of July and the summermonths are a time when people want to be with their families, but now many arequestioning whether they can afford the travel costs. In a new television ad, GovernorDaniels tells us that we can't do anything about high gas prices - that'ssimply not true. He can suspend the sales tax, and he must do it now.""Senator John McCain isin town today for a fundraiser with the Governor, and I hope the two of themhave a chance to talk about prices at the pump," added Long Thompson. "Sen.McCain actually understands that there is a big problem out there for families,and he proposed a suspension of the federal gas tax to help. While McCain'sidea falls short because it would eliminate funding for highway projects, hemight be able to help convince the Governor to support the Long Thompson/Oxley planto temporarily suspend and then permanently cap the state sales tax."  UnderIndiana law, a Governor may use their executive authority to declare a state ofenergy emergency for up to 60 days to institute programs designed to mitigatethe emergency. The 60 day period can be renewed once, but the General Assemblymust approve anything over 120 total days. So far Daniels has declined to usethat authority."Thefact that Governor Daniels continues to act as if this problem does not exist isinexcusable," said Dennie Oxley, the Democratic nominee for LieutenantGovernor. "This is just another example of how out of touch Mitch Daniels iswith the day-to-day lives of working families in Indiana.""BothJill and I have been talking about this issue for a long time. We understandthat Hoosiers need both short term relief and long term leadership - and that'swhat we are offering," added Oxley. "In addition to consistently urgingGovernor Daniels to do the right thing and suspend the sales tax on fuel, wehave proposed capping the sales tax on fuel and restructuring our entire taxcode to make it less reliant on these types of punitive taxes."Earlier this year, Long Thompson called for placing a trigger in state lawthat would automatically suspend the sales tax charged on fuel once the price exceeded$2.75 per gallon.Revenues collected fromthe sales tax on gasoline go towards the state's general funds.  The gasoline tax, a different tax, is used tosupport road projects and would not be affected by a suspension or capping ofthe sales tax on gasoline. LongThompson represented Northeast Indiana in the U.S. House of Representativesserving from 1989 to 1995. She also served as U.S. Under Secretary ofAgriculture for Rural Development from 1995 to 2001. She received her B.S. inBusiness from Valparaiso University and her M.B.A. and Ph.D. in Business fromIndiana University. A former educator, Long Thompson most recently served asCEO of The National Center for Food and Agricultural Policy. Long Thompson andher husband Don Thompson, a commercial airline pilot, live on their family farmin Marshall County.Oxleyis a 10-year veteran of the legislature, currently serving as the Majority Whipin the Indiana House of Representatives. A formerteacher, school administrator and businessman, Oxley is a graduate of IndianaUniversity Southeast, where he earned his Bachelor of Science and Master ofScience in Education. A lifelong resident of English, a small community inCrawford County, he resides there with his wife, Jayme, and their two youngdaughters.Formore information about Jill Long Thompson or her campaign, please visit www.hoosiersforjill.com or call 317-635-Jill. ### 2008-07-02T02:22:00Z http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/long_thompson_commemorates_title_ix/ http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/long_thompson_commemorates_title_ix/ Historic legislation gave women equalityin education; measure pushed by Birch BayINDIANAPOLIS- Marking the 36th anniversary of passage the historic Title IXlegislation, today Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jill Long Thompson issuedthe following statement:"As the first woman inIndiana history to earn the gubernatorial nomination of a major political party,I could not let this anniversary pass without comment.While I grew up and wentto school before Title IX became law, its passage still had a profound impacton my life. In fact, without Title IX, I don't know if could have ever had thechance to run for Governor.As a Hoosier, I amespecially proud of the leading role that Senator Birch Bayh played in thislandmark legislation.  Thanks to his leadershipand vision, generations of girls and woman now enjoy their rightful place inour society.To read more, click here.   NEWSRELEASEForImmediate Release: June 23, 2008 MediaContact: Jeff Harris or Keith Johnson, 317-635-5455LONGTHOMPSON COMMEMORATES TITLE IXHistoric legislation gave women equalityin education; measure pushed by Birch BayhINDIANAPOLIS- Marking the 36th anniversary of passage the historic Title IXlegislation, today Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jill Long Thompson issuedthe following statement:"As the first woman inIndiana history to earn the gubernatorial nomination of a major political party,I could not let this anniversary pass without comment.While I grew up and wentto school before Title IX became law, its passage still had a profound impacton my life. In fact, without Title IX, I don't know if could have ever had thechance to run for Governor.As a Hoosier, I amespecially proud of the leading role that Senator Birch Bayh played in thislandmark legislation.  Thanks to his leadershipand vision, generations of girls and woman now enjoy their rightful place inour society.Title IX is an exampleof government at its best and why it is so important to elect strong leaders.It has broken down artificial barriers, provided new hope and opportunity andhas made our country stronger."TitleIX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is the federal statute prohibiting sexdiscrimination in education programs and activities that receive federalfinancial assistance. Formore information about Jill Long Thompson or her campaign, please visit www.hoosiersforjill.com or call317-635-5455. ### 2008-06-23T20:05:00Z http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/jlt_democratic_state_convention_speech/ http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/jlt_democratic_state_convention_speech/ "We must never confuse action with progress. And we must always remember that real progress creates something good for generations to come. As Governor, I will measure progress by the opportunities and well being of all Hoosier families.To every Hoosier worker who hasn't seen a real wage increase in a long time, I want you to know that you matter.To every Hoosier homeowner who is struggling to pay the mortgage, you matter.To every child sitting in a crowded classroom lacking resources, you matter.To those communities facing a new start because of natural and economic devastation, you matter.To all the communities left behind by the current Administration, you matter.We can fix all of the challenges we face in our state.  But, we can fix them only when we recognize that every community and every family matters."Click here to read the entire speech.... TEXT OF GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE JILL LONG THOMPSON'S STATE DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION SPEECH           INDIANAPOLIS - The following is the text of Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Jill Long Thompson's address to the Indiana Democratic Party State Convention today in Indianapolis. "Thank you very much - Mick, thank you for such a kind introduction. I am so thankful to be here today. I am thankful for our Democratic Party and honored to be our nominee for Governor of the great State of Indiana. What a great year to be a Democrat!! To my family - thank you. Thank you for standing with me and supporting me as I take this historic step.  To my husband Don - thank you for being my very best friend ever.  To my parents, thank you for instilling in me the values of the Democratic Party - integrity and compassion; for taking me door-to-door registering voters when I was six years old; for teaching me to dream big, and for getting me involved in my community.   To my grandsons, Mychael and Malcolm, thank you for coming down here from Purdue today to show support for your grandmother - you're the best. To my good friends in organized labor who have been so supportive of me throughout this campaign and my career - thank you. Thank you to the Indiana Young Democrats for helping to gather much needed relief funds for the victims of the flooding and thanks to all of you for your generosity. Helping lift each other up in times of need is what our great state is all about. To all the candidates on this fall's ballot, I am looking forward to joining you in forging a new path for Indiana.  Together, we stand ready for a fight. A fight we must win, not for ourselves or our Party, but for hardworking Hoosier families across our state.  And on behalf of every Hoosier girl who dreams of doing something more for her state and country,  I thank Vi, Ann, Kathy, Virginia, Bren and Julia - and all of those before and since - who made days like today possible. It is great to be a Hoosier Democrat.  Under the leadership of such names as Bayh, Hamilton, Welsh, O'Bannon, and Kernan- our Party has made Indiana a better place to live, work and raise a family. This year, we are on the verge of writing a new chapter in that proud history.  The Indiana Democratic Party has never been stronger, Democrats have never been more unified and our candidates have never been more prepared to lead! But you don't have to take my word for it.  The unified voice of the one-point-two million Hoosiers who cast a Democratic ballot for change on May sixth speaks volumes.  Hoosiers want a new direction for our state.  It is time to bring an end to the Bush-Daniels era in Indiana. With that mandate comes an obligation to uphold the values of hard work and responsibility that are ingrained in us as Hoosiers. Those values, taught to me by my parents on our farm in Whitley County, have always guided me throughout my career in public service and will guide me every day as your Governor. In Congress, when faced with a critical vote on a tax increase or a trade deal, I always understood my responsibility to fellow Hoosiers. I knew those tax increases would hurt the budgets of Hoosier families and that's why I voted against every single tax increase. I knew trade deals, like NAFTA, would harm our tradition of good paying manufacturing jobs.  That's why one of my proudest votes was against the North American Free Trade Agreement. And those values served me well when I was the Under Secretary for Rural Development at the United States Department of Agriculture.  In that position I led 7,000 employees and managed a ten billion dollar budget.    Having grown up in a rural community, I knew firsthand the challenges facing many families in our state.    That's why I worked hard to grow the opportunities available to people in the hardest pressed rural areas - so they wouldn't be left behind.  Hoosiers deserve a Governor who understands that every community matters.  And Hoosiers deserve a Governor who understands that every person matters. I will be that Governor. Throughout my life, I have had great opportunities. I've been a professor, a city councilor, a Member of Congress, an Under Secretary, and a farmer.  My grandparents finished the eighth grade. My parents graduated from high school. But, because of the commitment of their generations, I had the opportunity to not only go to college, but to earn an M.B.A. and Ph.D. in Business from Indiana University. The opportunities my parents and grandparents created for me are by far greater than any of my own personal achievements.  And that is why I am running for Governor - to lead our state to create real opportunities for our children and our grandchildren and to lead our state in dreaming big and fulfilling its promise. You see, I believe success is not measured by one's personal income or wealth.  It is not measured by the size of one's home.  And it is not measured by the sale of assets.   The real measure of success for any generation is the creation of opportunities for future generations.    An old Native American proverb teaches us that we don't inherit the land from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children. All of us here today know we can create the opportunity that will allow our children to dream big and fulfill their promise.   Those of us who have been around a few years can recall the time when Indiana stood out because of the good-paying jobs that made it possible to put money away for children's college and save for retirement.    Younger delegates - with your fresh ideas and open-minded optimism - you know Indiana can once again be a leader in creating an economy of challenging and good-paying jobs with real opportunity.  With new leadership, we will address the issues of declining wages, rising unemployment rates, skyrocketing health care costs and education policies that are failing our students. There's a story I like to tell, and I know some of you have heard it. It's about a white frame farmhouse that has been in my family since the Great Depression. When my grandparents moved into that home in the nineteen thirties, it was like most farmhouses of that time - sturdy, white-washed, but lacking electricity and running water.  Most of my family - at one time or another - lived in that house. First my grandparents, then aunts and uncles or cousins as they grew up and moved on with their lives. It's often like that with farm houses.  In the nineteen eighties, I bought the house and I must say, it looked a great deal like it must have looked when Grandma and Grandpa moved their family there in the 1930s.   I decided to restore it and it evolved into a family project.  My brothers, my cousins, my parents and aunts and uncles and I started stripping wallpaper and woodwork on nights and weekends.  One Saturday afternoon, as we all converged on an upstairs bedroom, we encountered a real problem.  Between the radio, the vacuum cleaner and the wallpaper steamer we had three appliances to plug in and only one outlet - one of those old porcelain light sockets with an adapter that could, after taking out the bulb, become an electrical outlet. We all began to make fun of that old light socket.  Everyone except my dad. He became a bit indignant and said, "You kids just don't get it. When I wired this house in the nineteen forties, your grandma didn't have anything to plug in anyway." His message struck home. That farmhouse really did look the same as it did in the nineteen thirties. The same slate roof, the same sturdy front porch, the same white paint. But, in many ways it had changed. The rural electric co-op brought electricity to the farm in the nineteen forties. Running water and the indoor plumbing came in the nineteen fifties.  But, more significant than the electricity, the indoor plumbing, and the other changes in the house were the changes in the opportunities for the people who live on that farm and in that community today.  Those new opportunities came about because of the leadership and the policies of the Democratic Party and organized labor.   From public education to college loans to Civil Rights to Social Security and Medicare to Family and Medical Leave ... and the list goes on ... our Party has made the difference.    But, something we don't talk enough about is our record on the economy.  First of all, we know how to balance budgets, both federal and state.  When Democrats are in charge, the economy grows.  That's because we measure economic success, not by how much the CEOs are making, but by how well working families are doing.  My plan for Indiana reminds me so much of that beautiful old white farmhouse that has been in my family all these years.  Although it was modernized, that house never lost its soul and remains a habitat where values and opportunity are passed from one generation to the next.   My fellow Hoosier Democrats, are we ready for change?  Are you ready to work with me to roll up our sleeves and turn this economy around?  Do you share my vision of an Indiana where fathers and mothers make enough to support their families and when their children grow up they can find good jobs right here in Indiana?  As Governor, I will restart this economy and reverse the trend of job loss and declining wages.  I am going to use the M.B.A. and Ph.D. in Business from Indiana University to turn this state's economy around.   In supporting our state schools, Hoosiers invested in me, and I am going to make it one of the best investments they have ever made.  Since last year, our state has lost almost 30,000 jobs and that is unacceptable.   Hoosiers make ninety cents on the dollar compared to workers in other states and that is unacceptable.  State employees have had their collective bargaining rights taken away and that is unconscionable.  My first official act as Governor will be to reinstate that right.   And immediately thereafter, I will go to work on rebuilding our economy.  My economic plan, called "Grow Indiana," differs greatly from Governor Daniels' approach because it recognizes that every county and every community matters.   And it is different from his approach because it recognizes that economic development is not a program or a project, but an ongoing commitment and determination to a healthy economic climate.  And finally, it is different from his approach because my plan will work. To successfully rebuild our economy, we must create an economic climate that sets us apart from other states.   We must create  a climate that makes it easier for businesses that are already here to thrive and grow.  And this is how we are going to do it.  As Governor, I will build this economy by emphasizing our strengths.  Small and medium sized businesses. Rural communities and urban centers.  Our diversity is truly the backbone of our state and it can get our economy moving again.  We will change our outdated tax structure that was designed for a nineteenth century economy and we'll make it work for the twenty-first century.   Where factories have closed and communities are struggling, we will target incentives to businesses that create good-paying jobs with health insurance benefits.  We will provide greater incentives to businesses that invest in new technologies and improved productivity, and to employers who provide health benefits to their workers.   And we will start enforcing the requirements that an outside company commits to in exchange for property tax abatement.   My economic plan will enable Indiana to become a national leader in the new Green economy.  We will expand and diversify our economic base by marketing the research and technology from our universities and elsewhere and create new jobs in wind and solar, as well as in bio-fuels.   And we will expand the manufacture of products of energy efficiency, as well as renewable energy.  I am committed to getting our economy moving.  But we will only be successful when we tackle the health care and educational issues confronting our state. Businesses cannot grow and provide jobs with good wages if they are saddled by enormous health care costs.    As Governor I will work with the legislature to pass and sign into law a requirement that health insurance companies provide pooling options so that individuals and families and small businesses can join together and have affordable healthcare.  The price of your health insurance should not be determined by the size of your company or your employer. We can bring down the cost of health care and make it more accessible to those who are going without. It's not only going to help our economy grow, it's the moral thing to do. As Governor I will confront the tragedy of the rise in drop-out rates in our high schools.   Today, nearly a third of Indiana ninth graders won't graduate with their high school class. That is unacceptable.  As a former Member of Congress, I will work with our delegation in Washington to reform No Child Left Behind because, quite frankly, it is leaving behind too many of children.  We will reform education in Indiana and give our schools and teachers the resources and flexibility they need so they can teach to the needs of their students, instead of a test.   Because parental involvement and vocational education correlate with increased graduation rates, we will develop programs to incorporate parents into the education process and we will reinvest in twenty-first century vocational education and I know we can reverse this trend.    And we will do more to build relationships between our high schools and Ivy Tech and our many other colleges and universities. And, as Governor, I'll stop the Daniels obsession with privatization.   Outsourcing our state programs to less-than-reputable private firms does more harm than good.  And selling a toll road at a fire sale price to a foreign consortium that doubles the tolls - what was he thinking?   You don't need a degree in Business to recognize a bad deal like that.    We must never confuse action with progress.   And we must always remember that real progress creates something good for generations to come.   As Governor, I will measure progress by the opportunities and well being of all Hoosier families. To every Hoosier worker who hasn't seen a real wage increase in a long time, I want you to know that you matter.  To every Hoosier homeowner who is struggling to pay the mortgage, you matter. To every child sitting in a crowded classroom lacking resources, you matter. To those communities facing a new start because of natural and economic devastation, you matter. To all the communities left behind by the current Administration, you matter.  We can fix all of the challenges we face in our state.  But, we can fix them only when we recognize that every community and every family matters.   And we will be successful only when we make our top priority the well-being of our children, our grandchildren, and generations to come.   We must turn our economy around, not for us, but for those who come after us.  I am so honored to be here today.  I hope you all know how much I love our Party and how much I love Indiana and how much I look forward to working with you to turn this economy around and get Indiana back on track. Thank you!" Delivered Saturday, June 21 to the State Democratic Convention in Indianapolis 2008-06-22T22:15:01Z http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/oxley_joins_long_thompson_on_democratic_ticket/ http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/oxley_joins_long_thompson_on_democratic_ticket/ Veteran lawmaker from Southern Indiana to run for Lieutenant GovernorINDIANAPOLIS - Calling it a "perfect fit," today Democratic Gubernatorial nominee Jill Long Thompson formally named veteran State Representative Dennie Oxley as her choice for Lieutenant Governor.  "Dennie Oxley is an outstanding public servant and I am proud to welcome him to the team," said Long Thompson. "His experience in the state legislature, in the classroom and in the business world will be put to good use as we work together to rebuild our economy and restore Indiana's promise." Click here to read more.... NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release: June 16, 2008                                               OXLEY JOINS LONG THOMPSON ON DEMOCRATIC TICKETVeteran lawmaker from Southern Indiana to run for Lieutenant Governor INDIANAPOLIS - Calling it a "perfect fit," today Democratic Gubernatorial nominee Jill Long Thompson formally named veteran State Representative Dennie Oxley as her choice for Lieutenant Governor.  "Dennie Oxley is an outstanding public servant and I am proud to welcome him to the team," said Long Thompson. "His experience in the state legislature, in the classroom and in the business world will be put to good use as we work together to rebuild our economy and restore Indiana's promise." "Dennie's legislative career demonstrates that he is an effective leader and a champion of working people," added Long Thompson. "He is known as a tireless and dedicated legislator who can get the job done. Dennie is exactly the kind of Lieutenant Governor we need to help bring new prosperity and opportunity to communities across the state.  He's ready to roll up his sleeves and get to work on day one."   First elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in 1998, Oxley represents portions of eight Southern Indiana counties and serves as the Majority Whip for the House Democratic Caucus.  Oxley, 37, is a lifelong resident of English, a small community in Crawford County, where he is employed as a business development representative for an engineering firm. Oxley also worked as a math teacher and school administrator in the Crawford County Community School Corporation.    "Jill is a proven leader with executive experience - and I'm honored to partner with her to fight for better opportunities for all Hoosier families," said Oxley. "Together we will work to grow our economy, protect good-paying jobs, lower the cost of health care for working families, strengthen our schools and overhaul the entire tax structure to make Indiana more competitive."   "After four years of Mitch Daniels's failed policies and short-sighted leadership, we have a lot of work to do, but both Jill and I are looking forward to it." Oxley earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Education from Indiana University Southeast. He is a member of the Fairview General Baptist Church, the Chamber of Commerce, the Milltown Masonic Lodge, the Hardinsburg Lions Club, the Crawford County Jaycees, the Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis and the Murat Shrine. He and his wife, Jayme, reside in English with their two daughters, Demi and Audrey. Long Thompson represented Northeast Indiana in the U.S. House of Representatives serving from 1989 to 1995. She also served as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development from 1995 to 2001. She received her B.S. in Business from Valparaiso University and her M.B.A. and Ph.D. from Indiana University. Long Thompson most recently served as CEO of The National Center for Food and Agricultural Policy. A former educator, Long Thompson and her husband Don Thompson, a commercial airline pilot, live on their family farm in Marshall County. For more information about Jill Long Thompson or her campaign, please visit http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/ or call 317- 635-Jill.### 2008-06-16T13:23:00Z http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/roofers_endorse_long_thompson_for_governor/ http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/roofers_endorse_long_thompson_for_governor/ INDIANAPOLIS- Welcoming another major labor endorsement, today Jill Long Thompson announcedthe  support of the United Union ofRoofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers in her campaign for Governor.  "Jill Long Thompson has stood by workers herentire career, and we are proud to stand with her today," said Donald O'Blenis,International Vice President of the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers andAllied Workers."Workingmen and women need leadership at the Statehouse now more than ever. As the U.S.Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development, Jill gained managementexperience focused on job creation in some of the hardest hit areas of ourcountry. She understands that the economy will grow as the wages of everydayworking Hoosiers improve. It's time for the working class to have a champion inthe Governor's office with the experience to lead our state in a newdirection. To read more, click here. ROOFERSENDORSE LONG THOMPSON FOR GOVERNOR INDIANAPOLIS- Welcoming another major labor endorsement, today Jill Long Thompson announcedthe  support of the United Union ofRoofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers in her campaign for Governor.   "Jill Long Thompson has stood by workers herentire career, and we are proud to stand with her today," said Donald O'Blenis,International Vice President of the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers andAllied Workers."Workingmen and women need leadership at the Statehouse now more than ever. As the U.S.Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development, Jill gained managementexperience focused on job creation in some of the hardest hit areas of ourcountry. She understands that the economy will grow as the wages of everydayworking Hoosiers improve. It's time for the working class to have a champion inthe Governor's office with the experience to lead our state in a newdirection. Asroofers, we understand the importance of long term planning. Unfortunately,Governor Daniels' short-sided policies have failed Indiana. The United Union ofRoofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers endorse Jill Long Thompson forGovernor, and we promise to do everything we can to elect Jill the nextGovernor of Indiana."  TheUnited Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers represent workingHoosiers through eight locals located around the state."Workingfamilies are the backbone of our campaign, and I'm honored to have earned thesupport of the Roofers Union, and their membership," said Long Thompson. "AsGovernor, I will work with them - and all Hoosiers - to strengthen our economyand create better paying jobs all across the state."Unionsthat have previously endorsed Long Thompson's bid for Governor include theIndiana AFL-CIO, the United Steelworkers, the Service Employee InternationalUnion, Communication Workers of America, the American Federation of GovernmentEmployees, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, the UnitedTransportation Union, five local Teamster locals, the United Food andCommercial Workers Union, Indiana International Association of Machinists andAerospace Workers and Local #446 of Association of Federal, State, County andMunicipal Employees. LongThompson represented Northeast Indiana in the U.S. House of Representativesserving from 1989 to 1995. She also served as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture forRural Development from 1995 to 2001. She received her B.S. in Business fromValparaiso University and her M.B.A. and Ph.D. from Indiana University. LongThompson most recently served as CEO of The National Center for Food andAgricultural Policy. A former educator, Long Thompson and her husband DonThompson, a commercial airline pilot, live on their family farm in MarshallCounty.Formore information about Jill Long Thompson or her campaign, please visit www.hoosiersforjill.com or call317- 635-JILL. 2008-06-12T18:03:00Z http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/long_thompson_joins_working_families_in_calling_for_action_on_high_fuel_pri/ http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/long_thompson_joins_working_families_in_calling_for_action_on_high_fuel_pri/ INDIANAPOLIS- Joining working Hoosiers at the Indiana Statehouse today to protest the highprice of fuel, Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jill Long Thompson continued hercall for immediate relief at the pump."Formore than a year now, I have been urging Governor Daniels to use his executiveauthority to help reduce the cost of fuel for Hoosier families. As gas hits $4a gallon he is still making excuses," said Long Thompson, who attended theprotest organized by the Indiana AFL-CIO. "Hoosier families and smallbusinesses are really hurting and the Governor's refusal to do anything aboutit is inexcusable.""I'velaid out a comprehensive, fiscally responsible plan that would ease the burdenon our families when prices skyrocket, and I encourage Governor Daniels to dothe same."To read more, click here.     LONGTHOMPSON JOINS WORKING FAMILIES IN CALLING FOR ACTION ON HIGH FUEL PRICESDemocraticnominee joins Indiana AFL-CIO protest at the StatehouseINDIANAPOLIS- Joining working Hoosiers at the Indiana Statehouse today to protest the highprice of fuel, Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jill Long Thompson continued hercall for immediate relief at the pump."Formore than a year now, I have been urging Governor Daniels to use his executiveauthority to help reduce the cost of fuel for Hoosier families. As gas hits $4a gallon he is still making excuses," said Long Thompson, who attended theprotest organized by the Indiana AFL-CIO. "Hoosier families and smallbusinesses are really hurting and the Governor's refusal to do anything aboutit is inexcusable.""I'velaid out a comprehensive, fiscally responsible plan that would ease the burdenon our families when prices skyrocket, and I encourage Governor Daniels to dothe same."Earlierthis year, after Governor Daniels raised Indiana's sales tax, Long Thompsonproposed a plan to stop charging Indiana's sales tax on fuel once the pumpprice exceeds $2.75per gallon. Indiana is one of only seven states that charges sales tax on fuel.With the average price of a gallon of gas now at $4, Long Thompson's plan wouldsave Hoosier motorists an estimated $200 million per year.Her proposal would notimpact funding for roads and highways, as revenues collected from the state's 7percent sales tax are directed to the General Fund. A different tax, thefederal gasoline tax, is used to fund road construction projects and is leftuntouched by Long Thompson's plan."As Ihave said many times, as Governor I would not only work with the members of theGeneral Assembly to put in place my plan to cap the sales tax on fuel, I wouldalso immediately use my executive authority to declare an energy emergency andsuspend the sales tax on fuel until the legislature could meet and pass myproposal into law," added Long Thompson. "And, unlike Governor Daniels, I woulduse my position as Governor to pressure Congress and the President intoaction."  LongThompson's campaign is also urging Hoosiers to visit her campaign website (www.hoosiersforjill.com) to sign anonline petition to demand Governor Daniels take action to lower the cost offuel. Since the petition was posted on her web site in April, thousands of Hoosiershave signed up."Hoosiers are sick andtired of excuses, they want leadership and they want action," said Ken Zeller,president of the Indiana AFL-CIO. "The hard working people of this statedeserve a Governor that will stand up and fight for them, and if Mitch Danielswon't do that, Jill Long Thompson will."LongThompson represented Northeast Indiana in the U.S. House of Representativesserving from 1989 to 1995. She also served as U.S. Under Secretary ofAgriculture for Rural Development from 1995 to 2001. She received her B.S. inBusiness from Valparaiso University and her M.B.A. and Ph.D. in Business fromIndiana University. A former educator, Long Thompson most recently served asCEO of The National Center for Food and Agricultural Policy. Long Thompson andher husband Don Thompson, a commercial airline pilot, live on their family farmin Marshall County.Formore information about Jill Long Thompson or her campaign, please visit www.hoosiersforjill.com or call 317-635-Jill(5455)###   2008-06-09T15:35:00Z http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/long_thompson_urges_supporters/ http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/long_thompson_urges_supporters/ INDIANAPOLIS- Today Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jill Long Thompson released thefollowing statement, urging her campaign's supporters to assist those Hoosierfamilies and communities devastated by the recent flooding."Myheart breaks as I see the horrendous flooding that is impacting so many of our communitiesacross Indiana.  The breadth and scope ofthis disaster is beyond anything in recent memory. Whilewe must keep the victims of the recent flooding in our thoughts and prayers, Ialso want to urge my campaign supporters and all Hoosiers to contact your localAmerican Red Cross to see how your individual talents and treasures can be putto best use. This is a time in which all Hoosiers must come together to lend ahand, as we always have in the past.To read more, click here. LONGTHOMPSON URGES SUPPORTERS TO HELP FLOOD VICTIMSINDIANAPOLIS- Today Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jill Long Thompson released thefollowing statement, urging her campaign's supporters to assist those Hoosierfamilies and communities devastated by the recent flooding."Myheart breaks as I see the horrendous flooding that is impacting so many of our communitiesacross Indiana.  The breadth and scope ofthis disaster is beyond anything in recent memory. Whilewe must keep the victims of the recent flooding in our thoughts and prayers, Ialso want to urge my campaign supporters and all Hoosiers to contact your localAmerican Red Cross to see how your individual talents and treasures can be putto best use. This is a time in which all Hoosiers must come together to lend ahand, as we always have in the past.I also wantto commend all the state and local officials in the flooded areas for theirleadership in this trying time. I especially want to thank the first respondersand other public safety officers who continue to risk their lives to make usall safe - you make us proud."LongThompson represented Northeast Indiana in the U.S. House of Representativesserving from 1989 to 1995. She also served as U.S. Under Secretary of Agriculturefor Rural Development from 1995 to 2001. She received her B.S. in Business fromValparaiso University and her M.B.A. and Ph.D. in Business from IndianaUniversity. A former educator, Long Thompson most recently served as CEO of TheNational Center for Food and Agricultural Policy. Long Thompson and her husbandDon Thompson, a commercial airline pilot, live on their family farm in MarshallCounty.Formore information about Jill Long Thompson or her campaign, please visit www.hoosiersforjill.com orcall 317-635-Jill (5455).Linksto Indiana Red Cross Chapters: http://www.redcross.org/where/chapts.asp#IN 2008-06-09T14:59:00Z http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/afl_cio_endorses_long_thompson_for_governor/ http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/afl_cio_endorses_long_thompson_for_governor/ INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Representing morethan 300,000 working Hoosiers from around the state, today the Indiana StateAFL-CIO Executive Board officially endorsed Jill Long Thompson forGovernor.  "Weare proud to give our full support to Jill Long Thompson in her campaign forGovernor," said Indiana AFL-CIO President Ken Zeller. "She has a long record ofstanding up for working families. Her experience and commitment to growing theeconomy and creating good-paying jobs for all Hoosiers will help put Indiana back on track.""Fortoo long, Governor Daniels has ignored the loss of jobs around our state, andturned his back to working people - and that needs to change," added Zeller. "Thechoice is incredibly clear for working men and women across this state. Hoosierfamilies cannot afford four more years of Mitch Daniels' administration. TheAFL-CIO will do everything we can to elect Jill Long Thompson as our nextGovernor."To read more, click here.  AFL-CIOENDORSES LONG THOMPSON FOR GOVERNORINDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Representing morethan 300,000 working Hoosiers from around the state, today the Indiana StateAFL-CIO Executive Board officially endorsed Jill Long Thompson forGovernor.   "Weare proud to give our full support to Jill Long Thompson in her campaign forGovernor," said Indiana AFL-CIO President Ken Zeller. "She has a long record ofstanding up for working families. Her experience and commitment to growing theeconomy and creating good-paying jobs for all Hoosiers will help put Indiana back on track.""Fortoo long, Governor Daniels has ignored the loss of jobs around our state, andturned his back to working people - and that needs to change," added Zeller. "Thechoice is incredibly clear for working men and women across this state. Hoosierfamilies cannot afford four more years of Mitch Daniels' administration. TheAFL-CIO will do everything we can to elect Jill Long Thompson as our nextGovernor."TheIndiana State AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of IndustrialOrganizations) is a federation of 800 local unions in Indiana belonging to 50 InternationalUnions. "I'mgrateful for the support of the Indiana AFL-CIO, and the hard working membersof their Unions," said Long Thompson.  "Together,we will work to rebuild Indiana'seconomy, fight to protect good-paying jobs from leaving Indiana and we willwork to attract new jobs that can support Hoosier families."Thisendorsement is the latest in a growing number of key labor organizations whohave publically pledged support of Long Thompson's campaign. Unions that havepreviously endorsed include  the UnitedSteelworkers, the Service Employee International Union, Communication Workersof America, the American Federation of Government Employees, the Retail,Wholesale and Department Store Union, the United Transportation Union, fivelocal Teamster locals, the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, IndianaInternational Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and Local #446 ofAssociation of Federal, State, County and Municipal Employees.  More labor endorsements will be announced inthe coming weeks.LongThompson represented Northeast Indiana in theU.S. House of Representatives serving from 1989 to 1995. She also served asU.S. Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development from 1995 to 2001. Shereceived her B.S. in Business from Valparaiso University and her M.B.A. andPh.D. from IndianaUniversity. Long Thompsonmost recently served as CEO of The National Center for Food and AgriculturalPolicy. A former educator, Long Thompson and her husband Don Thompson, acommercial airline pilot, live on their family farm in Marshall County.Formore information about Jill Long Thompson or her campaign, please visit www.hoosiersforjill.com or call317- 635-JILL. 2008-06-06T20:57:00Z http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/http_hoosiersforjillcom_news_http_hoosiersforjillcom_news_http_hoosiersf/ http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/http_hoosiersforjillcom_news_http_hoosiersforjillcom_news_http_hoosiersf/ INDIANAPOLIS,Ind. - Today Democratic Gubernatorial nominee Jill Long Thompson issued thefollowing statement in response to Governor Mitch Daniels' speech to theIndiana State Republican Convention on Monday."YesterdayGovernor Mitch Daniels stood before his party's convention and continued hisattempt to rewrite history and his record.  He continued to try to convince Hoosiers thatwe are all living on an "Island of Growth" and that he and his "Freight Trainof Change" have improved our lives. Yet, the numbers tell a much differentstory.To read more, click here.  LONG THOMPSON RESPONDS TO DANIELS CONVENTION SPEECH; URGES REALITY CHECKDemocraticnominee says Daniels isn't living up to promisesINDIANAPOLIS,Ind. - Today Democratic Gubernatorial nominee Jill Long Thompson issued thefollowing statement in response to Governor Mitch Daniels' speech to theIndiana State Republican Convention on Monday."YesterdayGovernor Mitch Daniels stood before his party's convention and continued hisattempt to rewrite history and his record.  He continued to try to convince Hoosiers thatwe are all living on an "Island of Growth" and that he and his "Freight Trainof Change" have improved our lives. Yet, the numbers tell a much differentstory.Fouryears ago, at the same Republican State Convention, then-candidate MitchDaniels promised to bring real change to Indiana. He criticized Governors O'Bannonand Kernan and said he could do better. He cited the state's high rates of jobloss, personal bankruptcy and home foreclosures. He talked about the highschool dropout rate, the fact that Hoosier workers earn less than the averageAmerican worker and he pledged to improve the efficiency of state government.Now,after four years under Mitch Daniels' leadership, it is only fair to look atthose same benchmarks to judge the effectiveness of his administration.Theresults are not good. We are still hemorrhaging jobs. In April Indiana lostanother 3,100 jobs and nine major layoffs were announced impacting 2,263 jobs. Hoosiersstill make less than workers in other states and personal income has actuallydropped since Governor Daniels took office.Indianais still among the leading states in personal bankruptcies and homeforeclosures.  Nearly one third of ourHigh School students still don't graduate. And, from the Department of LocalGovernment Finance, to the Family and Social Services Administration, to theDepartment of Workforce Development, the Daniels administration has taken mismanagementand inefficiency to a new level.Atthis critical time in our state's history, when so many families are facingeconomic uncertainty, results matter now more than ever before. While theGovernor criticizes anyone who sees things differently than he does and labelsthem "negative," Hoosiers deserve more. They need more than election year promises;they need leadership that understands the challenges they face each and everyday, and leadership that will fight for them.AsDemocrats head to our State Convention later this month, we will continue ourcall for wholesale change. We will talk about the problems facing Hoosierfamilies, whether the Governor likes it or not. And we will continue to offernew leadership, new ideas and a fresh start.Byhis own standards, Governor Daniels administration has failed - and it is timefor new leadership that will put our state back on track and restore Indiana'spromise."   LongThompson represented Northeast Indiana in the U.S. House of Representativesserving from 1989 to 1995. She also served as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture forRural Development from 1995 to 2001. She received her B.S. in Business fromValparaiso University and her M.B.A. and Ph.D. from Indiana University. LongThompson most recently served as CEO of The National Center for Food andAgricultural Policy. A former educator, Long Thompson and her husband DonThompson, a commercial airline pilot, live on a farm in Marshall County.Formore information about Jill Long Thompson or her campaign, please visit www.hoosiersforjill.com or call574-635-JILL."Weeven understand the nonsense they so often spout.  When, against anavalanche of evidence, they insist that Indiana's economy is doing fine, justfine, we recognize that, for the most human of reasons, they may actuallybelieve it.  If you had spent these last years in the comfortableinsulation of public office, never once in Birdseye or Bippus, Merom or Mongo,you too might blind yourself to things the average Hoosier's eyes tell himevery day."Governor Mitch Daniels speech to the 2004State Republican Convention ### 2008-06-03T19:34:00Z