Braun signs executive orders to streamline government, replaces DEI with MEI

Gov. Mike Braun signed several executive orders that aim to streamline government operations. “These executive orders deliver on Gov. Braun’s promise to make state government leaner and more efficient by streamlining state operations, boosting transparency and promoting fiscal discipline while cutting red tape,” according to a statement released by the governor’s office. The executive orders address various aspects of state government employment, including requiring state employees to return to the office by July 1, 2025, developing key performance metrics to monitor employee performance, deregulating professional licensing and removing degree requirements “to the extent possible” for state jobs. Sen. Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) supports the orders. “My caucus and I share Gov. Braun’s vision for a more efficient state government, and we applaud his swift actions taken today to help meet that goal,” Bray said in a statement. “We look forward to working with him and supporting his efforts to ensure Indiana’s government operates effectively and efficiently for all Hoosier taxpayers.” In a statement released by the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC), State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-Chicago) and IBLC chair, responded to the governor’s orders. “Out of all of the very real issues Hoosiers are currently facing: poor health outcomes, poverty...