To: Governor Eric Holcomb
Force Gov. Pence to Disclose What PR Firm Did for Indiana
Governor Pence and Indiana's Economic Development Agency refuse to say what work a New York-based public relations firm did for the state before officials canceled their contract to assess the damage from the national outcry over the religious objections law. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation announced that it would pay Porter Novelli $365,000 for work already completed since being hired in May, but refused requests for reports or recommendations furnished by the PR firm. The taxpayers of Indiana have a right to know.
Why is this important?
The Economic Development Agency had planned to pay Porter Novelli up to $750,000 to help develop a plan to rebuild the state's image after widespread criticism over the religious objections law that Republican Gov. Mike Pence signed into law in March. Critics contended the law would allow religious beliefs as a legal defense for discrimination against lesbians, gays and others.
Lawmakers later revised the language of the bill, but convention and tourism officials across the state say they are still being questioned about that law and that its true effects might not be known for years.
The relationship with the PR firm was terminated when the Pence administration and the global PR firm expressed different opinions on gay rights.
Pence needs to be held accountable for the wasting of taxpayer money.
Lawmakers later revised the language of the bill, but convention and tourism officials across the state say they are still being questioned about that law and that its true effects might not be known for years.
The relationship with the PR firm was terminated when the Pence administration and the global PR firm expressed different opinions on gay rights.
Pence needs to be held accountable for the wasting of taxpayer money.