For Immediate Release

March 1, 2010

Columbia City – The Hoosier Gun Owners PAC announced their endorsement today for Jim Banks for State Senate in Indiana’s 17^th District.  “When it comes to protecting the Second Amendment, Jim Banks is the clear choice for voters in the 17^th District,” said Matt Boyd, Treasurer and Spokesman of the PAC.  “Hoosier Gun Owners PAC was created by a group of Second Amendment supporters who are passionate about protecting our constitutional freedoms.  Jim Banks is the type of proven leader we can count on to protect our rights in the Indiana General Assembly.  He is the only candidate in the race who has even addressed the Second Amendment.  The choice here is very clear between Banks and his opponent.  We encourage all gun owners in the 17^th District to vote for Jim Banks for State Senate.”

          Banks has been endorsed by numerous conservative organizations and leaders including Indiana Right to Life PAC, Allen County Right to Life PAC, Indiana Family Action PAC, American Family Association of Indiana PAC, Patriots Project, Congressman Mike Pence, State Representative Jackie Walorski, Congressman Mark Souder, Marion Mayor Wayne Seybold, Wabash Mayor Robert Vanlandingham, Opportunity Project of Indiana and many others.              

      Hoosier Gun Owners PAC was created in 2008.  For more information, please visit

www.JimBanks.us

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Time to cap out of state enrollment at Indiana public universities

Op-Ed by Jim Banks

Feb. 25, 2010

747 Words

In the summer of 2003 when Mitch Daniels’ newly christened RV1 was making its inaugural lap through the highways and byways of our great state, a group of young Hoosiers organized a rally in Columbia City.  I was proud to lead this group and welcome them to my grandparents’ property for Mitch’s first trip to Whitley County.  We titled our rally “We Want to Stay.”  Nearly 250 college students and young professionals from every corner of the state gathered to send the future governor and many media outlets a message: we stood for Mitch because Mitch stood for opportunity for young Hoosiers.  We were on the verge of entering the Indiana workforce, and Mitch gave us hope.

While Governor Daniels has worked hard to spur economic development and put our state on the right track for a comeback, the economic downturn has created the perfect storm of unacceptably high unemployment and rising budget deficits.  These issues have taken center stage at our state legislature where the Governor has valiantly led efforts to cut state spending without raising taxes.

As a candidate for State Senate District 17, putting unemployed and underemployed Hoosiers back to work is priority number one.  In order to get there, we must focus on better educating our Hoosier workforce.  As companies expand and search for locations to build their business, they first ask Indiana economic development specialists whether the available workforce has the necessary skills to fill their jobs.  There is an important trend in Indiana public universities that we must address if we want those questions answered with an emphatic “yes.” 

Indiana and Purdue Universities are accepting an increasing percentage of out of state students each year in order to receive out of state tuition rates to cover budget deficits.  This trend hits home as I consider that my slightly better than average high school grades may not have been enough to earn me a spot at Indiana University and the opportunity to become the first in my family to graduate from college if I were applying today, rather than 13 years ago.  But more importantly, it concerns me greatly for young Hoosiers applying to pursue an education at I.U. or Purdue today.

Consider this: according to I.U. “Fact Books”, since 2004, the out of state student population has risen one percent each year and in 2009, the total percentage of I.U. out of state freshmen was an astonishing 45 percent.  Compare that with 2002 when the total out of state percentage was just 21 percent according to the same source. 

I’ve done enough research to see that this issue isn’t unique to Indiana.  In fact, states all across the country are wrestling with it.  With nowhere to turn to make up for budget deficits, college presidents are opting to increase the number of out of state students for the extra cash.  This is, of course, to the detriment of young Hoosier students and ultimately, to our economic recovery. 

As a result, some states have determined to cap the percentage of out of state students their state universities can enroll.  The caps vary widely, but all have the same goal: provide opportunity for in state students to attend college who, in turn, will be likely to enter the state workforce well-educated and primed to make a valuable contribution to the state’s economy. 

In Colorado the cap is nearly 50 percent while in North Carolina it is 18 percent.  Here in Indiana, a Democrat State Representative has sponsored a bill, House Bill 1141, to cap the out of state percentage at 25 percent of any freshman class at our public universities. 

As a legislator, I would push for a cap on the out of state student population in our public universities.  I believe we must work to ensure that every capable Indiana high school student who wants to attend one of our taxpayer subsidized universities has the opportunity to do so. 

With a state average of nearly 10 percent unemployment as of December of 2009 and closer to 12 percent throughout the 17^th Senate District, we cannot afford to fund our state colleges and universities to pay for the education of New York and Illinois students.  It is time to demand that our public institutions of higher learning welcome as many Hoosier students as possible.  If we don’t turn back this trend now, the education gap in our state will be one statistic that will very much hinder our road to an economic comeback. 

Jim Banks is a Whitley County Councilman, Director of Business Development at Hagerman Construction, Graduate of Indiana University-Bloomington and a candidate for State Senate District 17.  Visit his website at www.JimBanks.us.    

Indiana Family Action PAC is proud to announce our endorsement of Jim Banks for State Senate district 17. Jim’s body of work on pro-family issues is outstanding. Starting with his work with Focus on the Family to his current service on the Whitley County Council, Jim is a proven pro-family leader. As the only pro-life candidate in the district 17 Republican primary our decision was an easy one on behalf of the unborn members of Indiana families. Jim is a statewide conservative leader whose pro-family values start at home and are sorely needed in Indianapolis.

IFA PAC Executive Director, Ryan McCann, had this to say about candidate Banks, “Working with Jim on pro-family issues, from his time at Focus on the Family to the present, proves to me that he is a pro-family leader we need in the State Senate. Jim is a man Hoosiers can count on to make Indiana a better place for Hoosier families to live, work and play.”

Indiana Family Action PAC is the sister organization of Indiana Family Action and Indiana Family Institute. Indiana Family Institute is the state affiliate of Focus on the Family. Indiana Family Action PAC is committed to helping principled state leaders dedicated to pro-family values become elected public servants.

www.JimBanks.us

February 10, 2010

Contact: Mike Fichter, Chairman

Indiana Right to Life PAC endorses Jim Banks for State Senate

            Indianapolis, IN – Indiana Right to Life PAC today is pleased to announce its endorsement of Jim Banks for State Senate in District 17.  Indiana Right to Life PAC is widely regarded as the state’s most powerful pro-life voice in state political and legislative issues. 

IRTL-PAC Chairman Mike Fichter issued the following statement today regarding the endorsement of Banks:

“Jim Banks is a longtime supporter of Indiana Right to Life and its ongoing efforts to defend and uphold the sanctity of life.  We know that Jim will be a rock solid pro-life voice in the Senate.  We also know that he will never be intimidated by powerful lobbying forces in Indianapolis who want to see abortions expanded and paid for by our tax dollars.  There is no doubt that Jim Banks will quickly establish himself as a leading voice for family friendly values in the Senate.   With today’s endorsement, we are encouraging every pro-life voter in State Senate District 17 to support Jim Banks in the upcoming primary election.”  

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Press Release

Feb. 3, 2010

Kim Wheeler Endorses Jim Banks for State Senate

               “My dad served our State Senate District for 19 years and worked hard to represent the rural values of Hoosiers throughout our region.  I am confident that Jim Banks will bring the same common sense conservative values to the State Senate that my dad fought for on our behalf for so many years.  I have enjoyed working with Jim on the Whitley County Council where we have worked together to bring fiscal responsibility to county government.  Jim is a great Republican leader who will make us proud in the State Senate.  Please join me in supporting him with our vote in the Republican Primary on May 4^th.”  - Kim Wheeler, President, Whitley County Council

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Press Release

Feb. 1, 2010

Jim Banks Signs Taxpayer Protection Pledge

                Columbia City – Candidate for State Senate District 17 Jim Banks signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge today to never support tax increases if he is elected to the Indiana General Assembly.  The Taxpayer Protection Pledge is sponsored by Americans for Tax Reform and can be found at www.ATR.org.  The pledge states “I, Jim Banks, pledge to the taxpayers of the 17^th District of the State of Indiana that I will oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes.”  Banks joins seven current Indiana State Senators and over 1100 legislators nationally who have signed the taxpayer pledge.  “When I ran for Whitley County Council I committed to the voters I would work against raising taxes and would strive to cut spending,” said Banks, who currently serves as a Whitley County Councilman At-Large.  “I kept my word and am signing this pledge today to make the same commitment to fiscal responsibility if I am fortunate enough to serve my district in the Indiana State Senate.”

                Jim Banks signed the pledge in front of the Conservative Breakfast Club, a group he co-founded nearly two years ago, this morning.  “As a fiscal and social conservative, I look forward to advancing conservative principles in the statehouse,” said Banks.  “For too long, Republicans and Democrats have grown government and are spending our tax dollars on programs government was never intended to perform in the first place.  In signing this pledge, I am not only committed to opposing tax hikes but will also work to cut and eliminate wasteful government spending in our state budget.”

                Banks is running to replace State Senator Gary “Doc” Dillon who is retiring at the end of his term this year.  Banks has been endorsed by many conservative organizations and leaders including American Family Association of Indiana PAC, Allen County Right to Life PAC, Patriots Project, Opportunity Project of Indiana, State Representative Jackie Walorski, Marion Mayor Wayne Seybold, Wabash Mayor Robert Vanlandingham, and the incumbent State Senator Gary Dillon. 

                From the Americans for Tax Reform Website (www.atr.org):

“Politicians often run for office saying they won’t raise taxes, but then quickly turn their backs on the taxpayer. The idea of the Pledge is simple enough: Make them put their no-new-taxes rhetoric in writing.

“In the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, candidates and incumbents solemnly bind themselves to oppose any and all tax increases. While ATR has the role of promoting and monitoring the Pledge, the Taxpayer Protection Pledge is actually made to a candidate’s constituents, who are entitled to know where candidates stand before sending them to the capitol. Since the Pledge is a prerequisite for many voters, it is considered binding as long as an individual holds the office for which he or she signed the Pledge.

“Since its rollout with the endorsement of President Reagan in 1986, the pledge has become de rigeur for Republicans seeking office, and is a necessity for Democrats running in Republican districts.

“Today the Taxpayer Protection Pledge is offered to every candidate for state office and to all incumbents. More than 1,100 state officeholders, from state representative to governor, have signed the Pledge. Statehouse tax-and-spend interests have to contend with Pledge signers in every state.”

                For more information, please contact Jim Banks at 260-579-5828 or visit www.JimBanks.us. 

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Fort Wayne, IN., December 4, 2009 – The Allen County Right to Life Political Action Committee (ACRL- PAC) unanimously endorsed Jim Banks in the Republican Primary for Indiana Senate District 17.

“We are certainly fortunate to have a candidate, Jim Banks, who has a proven record of defending life, running in Indiana Senate District 17,” said ACRL PAC Communications Director, Cathie Humbarger. “Jim’s service on the Board of Directors for Three Rivers Right to Life Educational Trust Fund and Allen County Right to Life and his past involvement in Whitley County Right to Life are a clear indication of his commitment. Under his leadership, Allen County Right to Life has grown as a force in the political and legislative arenas. We strongly encourage Republican voters in Whitley, Huntington, Wabash, Grant, Kosciusko and Allen Counties to support Jim Banks for Indiana State Senate District 17 in the May primary.”

The endorsement was based, in part, on a survey each candidate was asked to complete and return to the PAC. The complete list of candidates and their survey responses will be published in the ACRL quarterly newsletter prior to the Primary election, and in Voter Guides produced by ACRL and made available to the public.

About ACRL PAC              

The ACRL-PAC is the political action arm of Allen County Right to Life. The mission of the ACRL-PAC is to protect and promote innocent human life from fertilization to natural death. In the course of performing this mission, the ACRL-PAC actively engages in the political process, monitoring and advocating legislation that supports the mission of the PAC through appropriate legislative action. The PAC also promotes the election of pro-life legislators and public officials. In addition, the ACRL-PAC, through research and analysis of related life issues, seeks to educate voters, legislators and public officials alike, to make informed judgments on life issues so they too can stand to defend life.

(Wabash) - Wabash Mayor Robert Vanlandingham today announced his support of Jim Banks in his campaign for the Republican nomination for the Indiana State Senate in District 17.  Mayor Vanlandingham is a resident of the District and he is currently serving his second term as the mayor of the City of Wabash. 

Mayor Vanlandingham cited Jim Banks record as a fiscal conservative, his service as a community leader and county council member among the reasons for his support.  However he specifically cited Jim Banks commitment to economic development in all areas of the state and the district.  He is especially supportive of Jim’s commitment to create conditions that support private investment and job creation in the rural areas of the District 17.

“Jim’s spent a great deal of time in the District studying the issues and has demonstrated his commitment to every county in the district” said Vanlandingham.  He added “Jim’s conservative credentials match up very well with the views of the people of Wabash and the state.  At this time nothing is more important than balancing the budget of the state and supporting efforts to revitalize and rebuild the rural economy that has suffered so due to our dependence upon the automobile industry.  I believe that Jim Banks is the best choice to assume the mantel of Doc Dillon and the best choice to keep us moving in the right direction.”

Banks, 30, currently serves as an at-large member of Whitley County Council, Whitley County Republican Chairman and Third District Republican Vice-Chairman.  Banks is the Director of Business Development at The Hagerman Group, a 101-year old general contractor and construction management company headquartered in Fort Wayne. Before joining The Hagerman Group, Banks owned and managed a public affairs firm for five years. Prior to that, he worked in the Public Policy Department at Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he helped advance pro-family values across the nation.

Banks serves on several boards including Northeast Indiana Regional Workforce Development, Columbia City Chamber of Commerce, Fort Wayne Area Builders and Contractors Association Government Affairs Committee, Whitley County Historical Society and the Columbia City Rotary Club.

Banks and his wife, Amanda, live in Columbia City where Jim was born and raised before attending and graduating from Indiana University. They are the parents of a daughter, Lillian, born in September.  They are members of Trinity Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Columbia City.

For more information, please contact Jim Banks at 260-579-5828.

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(Indianapolis, IN) - The American Family Association of Indiana PAC announced that it has endorsed Jim Banks for State Senator in Indiana Senate District 17.  Hoosiers have witnessed enormous changes during 2009 with an economic collapse, historic government takeovers of private industries, massive and unprecedented federal spending and the promotion all sorts of left-of-center political agendas coming from Washington, DC. When the 2010 elections occur, AFA of Indiana PAC predicts that tens of thousands of Hoosiers will be looking for candidates who still hold firm to the common sense values of the heartland of America. Jim Banks is one of those candidates who will consistently represent the conservative values of Hoosiers in his State Senate district.

“Those families who care about the future of traditional marriage, the state of the family, the sanctity of life, and are troubled by the hostile, sex-saturated culture in which children are raised, should take note of the candidacy of Jim Banks,” said AFA of Indiana PAC president, Micah Clark. 

Born and raised in Whitley County, Jim Banks has also served on the Whitley County Council where he has a conservative record of opposing tax increases and placing the interests of his constituents above special interests. Jim and his wife Amanda are new parents and they understand the challenges facing Hoosier families. “Jim will be a pro-family and a pro-life vote in the Indiana Senate, just as retiring District 17 Senator Gary Dillon has always been,” Clark noted.

“I strongly encourage Republican voters in Whitley, Huntington, Wabash, Grant, Kosciusko and Allen Counties to support Jim Banks for Indiana State Senate District 17 in the May primary, Clark said.

The AFA of Indiana Political Action Committee was formed in March 2006 for the purpose of educating voters about candidates who embrace traditional values and issues that impact families, churches and communities.

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