Rokita Welcomes GE Aviation: "We Couldn't Ask for a Better, New Neighbor"

Representative Todd Rokita released a video statement in following the announcement from GE Aviation today that they would open a new jet aircraft engine plant in the Greater Lafayette area.

Text as prepared:

Good morning and thanks to all of you for your leadership in ushering in another Indiana success story! I am conferencing in from my duty station in Washington DC. I thank you for the opportunity to serve.

This occasion is a testament to the work of Lafayette and western Indiana community, civic, business and elected leaders. As you often hear me say, our area of the state is a National model for strong leadership that puts partisanship aside and recognizes that pro-growth, common sense policies are needed for Indiana and America to compete in the world and win in the 21st century.

In particular, it's a testament to the forward looking leadership of Governor Pence and his predecessor. He continues the aiming higher culture that Governor Daniels began and which gave Indiana "best of class" status.

It was an honor to work on Indiana's transformation for eight years as Indiana's Secretary of State, and now serve with Governor Pence and President Daniels as we work for Indiana, including with our talented and committed new partner GE aviation.

As an aviator myself, I welcome the aviation industry's growth in our state. I know GE Aviation to be the high water mark in commercial aviation. We simply couldn't ask for a better new neighbor.

Among many other things, Indiana is a national leader in producing Airframe and Powerplant aviation mechanics, and that was a key criteria GE Aviation considered when choosing Indiana. Purdue University and its internationally-praised Aviation Technology Program deserve a lot of credit for today.

As Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Elementary and Secondary Education, a major focus of mine is ensuring our schools are preparing our children for STEM curriculum.

Actually, around here, we call it STEAM-- as everyone knows. That's Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture and Math.

And actually, given the occasion, Science, Technology, Engineering, Aviation and Math seems most fitting.

Our elementary and secondary schools must prepare our children for higher education, and institutions like Purdue must continue forging partnerships with companies like GE Aviation to produce the human capital they need to innovate and grow in America.

Thank you to everyone who has made this day possible. GE Aviation…you have made a sound investment. Welcome to Indiana. I know this is the beginning of a great partnership.

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