INGOP Chairman Kyle Hupfer describes Governor Holcomb’s READI program, investments to Indiana’s infrastructure as “socialism” despite INGOP elected officials campaigning on the same issues 

Hupfer will criticize “Small Town, Indiana” tour but won’t denounce INGOP’s connections to domestic terrorist organizations

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Democratic Party, the organization that advocates for the future of Indiana and its families, today asked Indiana Republican Party Chairman Kyle Hupfer to clarify why he described Governor Holcomb’s READI program and issues like broadband internet, childcare, and Indiana’s public schools as “socialism” in a recent interview with the Indianapolis Business Journal. Hupfer called these investments “socialism” in response to the INDems’ “Small Town, Indiana” tour. Thanks to President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan, Democrats secured more than $250 million in broadband internet expansion, provided $540 million for childcare service providers, and fully-funded the state’s public school systems for the first time in over a decade.

Democrats are asking for some clarity from Kyle Hupfer because Republicans like Governor Eric Holcomb, U.S. Senators Mike Braun and Todd Young, and Members of Congress like Victoria Spartz and Larry Bucshon have all campaigned on the very issues Hupfer views as “socialism” (see below). It’s also worth noting Kyle Hupfer would rather attack the “Small Town, Indiana” tour than denounce the INGOP’s connections to domestic terrorist groups – which he’s been silent about for 12 days. 

Question to Kyle Hupfer: In his own words, what is “socialism”? Is it Medicare and Social Security? Are investments in broadband, childcare, and public schools “socialism”? Are public roads, bridges, and government-issued photo-IDs “socialism”?

“Kyle Hupfer is so desperate to call Democrats ‘socialists’ that his lazy response to the Indiana Democrats’ ‘Small Town, Indiana’ tour inadvertently attacked Governor Holcomb’s READI program and branded folks like the Governor, Todd Young, and Victoria Spartz as socialists too,” said Drew Anderson, spokesman for the Indiana Democratic Party. “Democrats are delivering broadband, childcare, infrastructure, and fully-funded public schools to Hoosier families in all 92 counties, all thanks to the American Rescue Plan. Sadly, Hupfer and Indiana Republicans are so narrow-minded because of their extreme partisanship that they’d rather coddle domestic terrorists than join Democrats in creating a better future for Indiana.” 

SHOT: INGOP Chair Kyle Hupfer Calls Investments in Broadband, Childcare, and Public Schools “Socialism” 

Indianapolis Business Journal: “‘I hope Mike and others like Jennifer McCormick listen more than they talk. If they do, it’s certain they will hear how these areas wholeheartedly reject the progressive and socialist policies being promoted by Biden, Pelosi, Schumer, the Squad and the Indiana Democrat Party,’ Hupfer said.”

CHASER: Eric Holcomb, Todd Young, Victoria Spartz, and INGOP Campaign on “Socialist” Policies 

Governor Eric Holcomb: “This year, I advocated for additional funds for the program and signed a budget appropriating an additional $250 million for continued broadband expansion.” NOTE: Funding secured by the American Rescue Plan, which he opposed.

U.S. Senator Todd Young: “As the Crossroads of America, Indiana understands the need for federal investment in our crumbling infrastructure, especially with nearly 5,500 miles of Hoosier highways in poor condition.” NOTE: Voted “NO” on the infrastructure deal and American Rescue Plan. 

U.S. Senator Mike Braun: “The senator said three top issues he consistently hears about are rural broadband, workforce development and affordable housing. He said broadband now is considered infrastructure right along with roads, bridges, rail, air travel and internal waterways.” NOTE: Voted “NO” on the infrastructure deal and American Rescue Plan. 

U.S. Congresswoman Jackie Walorski: “There is bipartisan agreement that we need to take action to improve our nation’s infrastructure.” NOTE: Voted “NO” on the American Rescue Plan and its $250 million broadband investment for Indiana.

U.S. Congressman Jim Banks: “@RepJimBanks met with INFB members in Jay County this afternoon. Barry Miller, Jay County Farm Bureau president, hosted the meeting at his farm. Topics of discussion included the stepped-up basis, labor issues, broadband access, Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) and more.” NOTE: Voted “NO” on the American Rescue Plan and its $250 million broadband investment for Indiana.

U.S. Congressman Jim Baird: “Too many in our rural communities have experienced the challenges associated with a lack of broadband access. I cosponsored the Broadband for Rural America Act to facilitate the deployment of reliable broadband for rural Hoosier families and businesses.” NOTE: Voted “NO” on the American Rescue Plan and its $250 million broadband investment for Indiana.

U.S. Congresswoman Victoria Spartz: “Behind the scenes look at how Smithville Communications is providing fiber internet in Tipton County. High-speed internet access is critical for the survival of rural communities.” NOTE: Voted “NO” on the American Rescue Plan and its $250 million broadband investment for Indiana.

U.S. Congressman Greg Pence: “Great roundtable with @SenToddYoung at @NineStarConnect today discussing the needs of rural broadband and utilities. NineStar Connect does fantastic work for Hancock County and the surrounding communities. Thanks to Senator Young for joining us in the Sixth District!” NOTE: Voted “NO” on the American Rescue Plan and its $250 million broadband investment for Indiana.

U.S. Congressman Larry Bucshon: “Yesterday, I met with members of the Knox County Chamber Board of Directors in Vincennes. We discussed issues facing small businesses in Knox County like employment shortages, rural broadband coverage, and what I can do in Congress to support them.” NOTE: Voted “NO” on the American Rescue Plan and its $250 million broadband investment for Indiana.

U.S. Congressman Trey Hollingsworth: “Hollingsworth, R-Jeffersonville, said access to [veterans health] care is a critical part of the country’s obligation to care for those who serve to protect America.” 

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