INDIANAPOLIS – Gov. Eric Holcomb announced Tuesday a number of changes to the state of Indiana, all stemming from the pushes for racial equity after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
"We now stand at an inflection point, and we have an opportunity to acknowledge those past wrongs, learn from our history and admit where we’ve come up short of our ideals," Holcomb said. "Then, we must get about doing what we’ve done whenever we face a challenge: Make historic progress together."
About two months ago, Holcomb created an internal task force to find out what the best changes would be, and how to enact them.
Some of the changes Holcomb announced Tuesday include:
- A new position in Holcomb’s cabinet – Chief Equity, Inclusion and Opportunity Officer for the state of Indiana
- Body cameras for Indiana State Police coming late spring 2021 – expected to cost $5 million, with an additional $1.5 million annually
- Create a public disparity data portal, to show where the state’s shortcomings are
- Work with Indiana legislature to add civilians to the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy Board
Dr. Woody Myers, Holcomb's Democratic opponent for November's election, released a short statement about the announcement:
“Much too little, much too late.”
Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers:
"Governor Holcomb's actions are thoughtful and important steps forward for Indiana. We will continue to have meaningful conversations with stakeholders, including the governor, legislators on both sides of the aisle and law enforcement, on how we can build on these efforts and further improve our criminal justice system."
Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray, R-Martinsville:
"I commend Gov. Holcomb for helping move Indiana forward on this important issue. As I have said recently, we in the Indiana Senate – myself included – are also working on these issues by meeting with and listening to groups across the state, including law enforcement and the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus. We all agree that racism should have no place in the Hoosier state. We have begun to find common ground on some of these issues and we are optimistic we can make strides in the upcoming legislative session."
