Eric Holcomb Calls For New Economic Growth As New Indiana Governor
Eric Holcomb is sworn in as Indiana's governor by Chief Justice Loretta H. Rush on a bible held by his wife, Janet, during an inaugural ceremony Monday, Jan. 9, 2017, in Indianapolis. Darron Cummbins / AP
New Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb says the state can't become complacent in spurring economic growth.
Holcomb said in his inaugural speech Monday that too many Indiana families feel they've been left behind and too many young graduates are leaving the state.
Holcomb says Indiana "must hammer down" to find a million new skilled workers over the next decade. That's to replace 700,000 baby boomers who will retire and 300,000 new jobs the state needs to create.
Holcomb also saluted Vice President-elect Mike Pence, saying he kept Indiana's momentum going the past four years during his term as governor.
Holcomb was sworn in at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolos. Others taking their oaths were Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Attorney General Curtis Hill and state schools Superintendent Jennifer McCormick. All are Republicans who won election in November. Tera Klutz was sworn in as the new state auditor, replacing Crouch in that position.
Holcomb's rise to becoming Indiana's 51st governor was improbable a year ago when he was running in a crowded GOP primary for the U.S. Senate.
But outgoing Gov. Mike Pence appointed him as lieutenant governor. Then Holcomb was chosen as the GOP nominee for governor after Pence became Donald Trump's running mate.