I read an article in IBJ titled “Bill Aims to Lift Upside for 21st Century Fund” about a bill filed in Indiana legislature by Senator Brent Waltz. Without having read all the specifics of the bill, it’s a little reckless for me to chime in too much. However, I want to highlight one point Sen. Waltz has apparently made about the 21 Fund and suggests be corrected with the new bill: “The bill also would require applicants to match the state’s money with outside capital at a four-to-one ratio.”
Senator Waltz, with all due respect, this is a ridiculous notion. I agree with the idea of requiring matching funds. But to suggest that a applicant get $4 for every $1 received from IEDC is just a fairy tale concept, at least in this current funding environment.