EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Democrat candidate for Governor, John Gregg, and running mate Christina Hale have unveiled their “Safe Communities Plan” pledging to bring a renewed focus on keeping Hoosiers safe.
The plan outlines efforts to attack the illegal drug problem, sexual violence against children, cyber crime, recidivism, and offer more support to state and local law enforcement officers.
“Ensuring that all Hoosiers are safe where they live, work and go to school is a fundamental responsibility of government and will be a hallmark of a Gregg/Hale administration,” said Gregg, a former university president and speaker of the Indiana House. “Too many Hoosiers are addicted to legal and illegal drugs, we haven’t been proactive enough in protecting our kids, and we need to do a better job of supporting those who protect us. We can’t neglect these important issues any longer, and, when I’m governor, we won’t.”
A news release from the Gregg campaign says Indiana leads the nation in methamphetamine, fifth in heroin, and 15th highest for opioid overdoses. Yet, Indiana lags behind its neighbors when it comes to access to treatment, despite studies proving that a dollar spent on substance abuse treatment saves $4 in healthcare costs and $7 in law enforcement and other criminal justice costs.
“John Gregg and I are serious about practical solutions and real results. We know that the success and growth of our economy are directly linked to the safety and security of our families and communities,” said State Rep. Christina Hale. “We will work with all communities, all stakeholders and all Hoosiers to take on these important issues and move Indiana forward.”