Becky Skillman

State:Indiana
Current Office:Lieutenant Governor
Party:Republican Party

Becky Skillman, a Hoosier native, is serving her second term as Lt. Governor. She serves the Bedford community in many different capacities. She served on the Board of the Bedford Urban Enterprise Association and the Board of Directors of the Bedford Federal Savings Bank. Skillman married her childhood sweetheart, Steve, and has one son, Aaron.  Skillman is a member of the Church of Christ in her hometown.

Skillman believes that the best way to improve efficiency in the government is through a balanced budget. She believes state government has a responsibility to enhance value and get the most out of each tax dollar. She says that by trimming unnecessary spending, it enables more funding. Through this, Skillman says that Indiana has been able to fund programs, such as full-day kindergarten and K-12 education. She believes that by keeping spending below the state’s income and practicing fiscal discipline, Indiana has a more sold surplus.

Skillman thinks that our nation is too dependent on foreign energy sources, which is why she approves the Hoosier Homegrown Energy plan. This plan stresses the need for Indiana to have greater energy efficiency, growing its clean coal technology and increasing the use of alternative and renewable energy sources. She wants to increase energy security by finding new energy sources through alternative powers such as wind and landfill methane recovery.

Skillman appreciates the people in America’s armed forces and wishes to help them and their families. She worked to grant new benefits for veterans and their families through the Indiana General Assembly in 2007. With these benefits, Hoosier veterans can become homeowners. It also helps them support their families while on active duty and allows them to attend college while stationed in Indiana. Also, combat pay is now exempt from Indiana income tax for active duty military.

Skillman supported the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, which granted $18 million for the rehabilitation and new construction of affordable housing and community projects. These projects also provided about 600 jobs for Hoosiers. Skillman also supported the First Home Program. This program gave the opportunity for many to become first time home owners by allowing qualifying Hoosiers to be approved for below market interest rate loans.

Skillman believes all people should have the chance to own their home. She thinks having a safe and affordable home is an American dream.  This is why she supported the Affordable Housing and Community Development Fund. It has provided millions in loans and grants in order to develop more affordable housing units. She also supported increased funding to continue the Development Fund. She launched a statewide initiative to help Hoosiers who are in danger of having their homes foreclosed.  The Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Initiative provides free, confidential financial counseling. 

Skillman believes strongly in rural development. In 2005, Skillman became the first Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. She believes the state should promote programs that strengthen communities and contribute to economic development. She created the Rural Capacity Grant program which encourages entrepreneurship in rural areas in order to enhance skills and educational opportunities for Hoosiers. Skillman thinks that by rural communities contributing and thriving, Indiana as a state will thrive. 

Contact Becky Skillman

Official Website

Related News

Gov plugs right to work, smoking ban
Gov. Mitch Daniels asked Indiana lawmakers on Tuesday to approve a statewide smoking ban and dedicate more money toward…

Mayor's race enters final stretch
Republican Greg Ballard has led this race from the beginning and he led in the WISH-TV/Franklin College Poll. But Democrats…

Ballard, Kennedy, Campaign Down to the Wire
When asked if his goal was to energize Democrats, Bayh said, "Oh, I think that's right."

Mourdock cuts back on state car use
Indiana Treasurer Richard Mourdock drove his state-owned vehicle more for personal matters than official business until…

Skillman Leaves for Tokyo
The delegation plans to arrive in Japan tomorrow and return to Indianapolis next Thursday.