John Gregg

Governor
Running mate: Vi Simpson

John Gregg, born Sept. 6, 1954, is the Democratic gubernatorial candidate. He currently works for Bingham Greenebaum Dole law firm.

He earned his BA from Indiana University in 1976 and his MPA from Indiana State University in 1978. He also graduated from the IU School of Law in Indianapolis in 1984. He worked at Amax Coal in the early 80’s and then served Indiana as a state representative from 1986-2002. From 1996-2002, Gregg was the Indiana Speaker of the House. He also was the interim president of Vincennes University from 2003-2004.

“I am running for Governor because we need leadership that will focus on creating jobs,” Gregg said. “Indiana has incredible opportunities in industries like agriculture, advanced manufacturing, energy, life science and logistics. However, when we focus on divisive social issues, we miss these opportunities to create jobs here, in Indiana. I am running to put Indiana’s focus back on creating jobs.”

The creation of good-paying in-state jobs is the most important issue of the election, Gregg said.

 “My plan calls for tax cuts for companies that are headquartered here in Indiana, or that create jobs in industries targeted for growth, and does not cut into the surplus,” he said.

As part of this plan, an infrastructure plan necessitating nearly about 97,000 new jobs to work on improving roads and bridges and rails would increase employment and encourage company expansion.

Gregg believes healthcare is a right that needs to be both affordable and accessible for all Hoosiers. Regardless of people’s thoughts on the Affordable Care Act, he wants to look at implementing the law in a way that’s best for Indiana residents and that that shares costs with the federal government while keeping control of the healthcare system in the state. 

In terms of education, Gregg advocates a pre-kindergarten program. He wants college and technical schools to be affordable and would consider a tuition freeze to hold the line on tuition.   These steps, he argues, will help the next generation of Hoosiers for jobs of tomorrow

Gregg believes targeted tax cuts that won’t disrupt the state surplus will help grow businesses and give more money back to residents. He plans to eliminate the state sales tax on gasoline and give tax cuts to companies that headquarter or create jobs in Indiana. These cuts will be paid for through efficiency audits of state government and aided by collecting sales tax on online purchases.

— Matthew Glowicki