Lieutenant Governor Eric Holcomb is emphasizing infrastructure and entrepreneurship in a 17-point economic platform. The package offers the first detailed policy proposals of Holcomb's two-month-old campaign for governor. The Republican nominee is backing efforts to invest some state pension fund money business startups, and says he'd call for 100-million dollars to expand high school entrepreneurship programs. In all, Holcomb says he'd steer a billion dollars toward nurturing new and innovative businesses. Holcomb hasn't spelled out how he'd pay for those programs, nor for a commitment to more infrastructure funding. He notes a study committee including agency heads and key legislators has spent the summer reviewing road funding options. Holcomb says nothing should be off the table -- with the exception of Democratic opponent John Gregg's plan to issue two-billion dollars in bonds, which Holcomb dismisses as fiscally irresponsible. Holcomb says infrastructure funding should go beyond highways. Along with the completion of the I-69 extension he's committing to three more specific projects includinga new bridge and port on the Ohio River. Holcomb plans three more policy roll-outs, on education, community development and government efficiency.
