Advocacy
Advocating for transformational growth.
We are the collective voice of business and economic development leaders for the Evansville Region on the local, state and federal levels.
Our policy positions are a reflection of our members and proposals they believe will advance the growth and prosperity of our region. From upgraded infrastructure to talent attraction/investment and the elevation of regional partnerships, E-REP focuses on positive outcomes for our community through proactive and strong relationships with the Southwest Indiana legislative delegation and a grassroots support of our membership. We advocate for public policies that facilitate business success and a welcoming ecosystem for talent.
2024 PUBLIC POLICY priorities
For the 2024 Indiana General Assembly session, E-REP is actively engaging with policymakers to discuss issues and advance our legislative priorities that will impact the region’s businesses and communities for years to come. As always, E-REP will be working in Indianapolis and here at home with our local legislators to advocate on our initiatives.
Member feedback and our Government Affairs Committee determine our public policy priorities surrounding economic development work and ensuring the long-term success of the Evansville Region.
Complete I-69
Support swift completion of Interstate 69 in Indiana and across a new Ohio River bridge into Kentucky.
Upgrade Infrastructure
Support a regulatory environment and funding streams that enable the creation of economic development sites and the movement of people, products, and information around our region and around the world; from increased broadband accessibility and capacity to expanded services at Evansville Regional Airport (EVV), to water and sewer piping and all the other investments that make the economy flow.
Fortify Our Talent
Support local and state efforts designed to grow our talent pool, enhance the skills of our workforce, and align our state’s talent base with the needs of employers in a system that values the spectrum of educational options from vocational education to professional degrees.
Elevate Regional Success
Support policies and projects designed to support regionally driven plans to stimulate and leverage public and private investment to make our communities even more livable, attractive and vibrant.
Strengthen Community Health
Support policies and programs designed to improve the overall wellness of our workforce, including: reducing tobacco use, addressing the drug epidemic; ensuring access to affordable, high-quality physical and mental healthcare; supporting walkability initiatives; etc.
Embrace Diversity & Inclusion
Keep the value of diversity, inclusion, and equity at the core of all our efforts, embracing protections for vulnerable members of our community and working to eliminate legislation and regulations that have a more significant impact on minority populations.
We continue to work with Sally Rideout of Rideout Public Affairs, Inc. to lead our legislative efforts and be our daily voice inside the Statehouse. If you have E-REP-related issues to discuss with Sally, you can reach her at sally@rideoutpublicaffairs.com. Watch your email and the E-REP website, www.evansvilleregion.com, for legislative updates and other events to engage with our government affairs activities.
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BridgeLink advocates the construction of a new Interstate 69 Ohio River Bridge with tolling only the I-69 Bridge. Phase I of the Kentucky approach began in 2022. Phase II bi-state effort to begin 2025. Bridge construction to begin 2027-2031.
Connecting the Evansville Region to neighboring Henderson, Kentucky, by a new bridge is regarded as the economic investment of a lifetime. Learn more about the Interstate 69 Ohio River Bridge project and its ability to increase job creation and spur local economic growth.