Becky Skillman's bio.
Skillman for Lt. Governor Campaign E-mails
   
Fundraising questions:
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Ellen McDaniel
Finance Director
Emcdaniel@indgop.org
317-964-5011
Betsy Villwock
Political Coordinator
bvillwock@indgop.org  
317-964-5015
   

Lt. Governor Becky Skillman understands the needs of Indiana – from our small cities and towns to our large, urban areas. Lt. Governor Becky Skillman has long been committed to revitalizing Indiana's economy for the good of all Hoosiers. A native of southern Indiana, Becky knows the importance of bringing economic development to all regions of the state. She is a long-standing champion of Indiana communities and has led the way in rebuilding our state's small cities and towns.

Becky's values of hard work, faith and family were shaped growing up outside of Bedford, where most of her family still lives. In 1969, Becky married her high school sweetheart, Steve.  Ten years later their son Aaron was born.

In 1977, Becky answered the call of public service and was elected Lawrence County Recorder, a seat she held until 1984 when she went on to win the contest for County Clerk.  While in this position, she was elected by her fellow county officials statewide to serve as president of the Association of Indiana Counties. There, she worked with the Indiana General Assembly, which inspired her to run for Senate in 1992. She went on to serve 12 years representing Indiana's 44th Senate district.  Becky's ability to bring people together on important issues earned her the respect of politicians from both sides of the aisle and helped her attain the leadership position of Senate Majority Caucus Chair.

In 2004 Becky joined Mitch Daniels in his bid to become Governor. Together, they sought to renew Indiana's economy and move the state forward. Upon election Becky became the state's 50th  lieutenant governor.

Throughout her career, Becky has worked on behalf of the business community. In her hometown of Bedford, she served on the Board of the Bedford Urban Enterprise Association and on the Board of Directors of the Bedford Federal Savings Bank. She completed two years toward a degree in Business Administration at Indiana Wesleyan University.

Becky has spent her career fostering economic development, particularly through entrepreneurship and small business development. In recognition of her efforts, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce honored her as the Champion of Small Business in 1995. The National Federation of Independent Business/Indiana named Becky a Guardian of Small Business in 1996. In 2007, the Indiana Minority Business Magazine gave her the Champion of Diversity Award.

Living in the shadow of Crane Navy Base, Becky developed an understanding of the important role the defense sector plays in Indiana's economy. In 2005 Becky successfully made the state's case to maintain its military bases through the federal Base Realignment and Closure process. As a result, more than 5,500 jobs were saved and 1,000 new jobs were created.

Under the leadership of Gov. Daniels and Lt. Gov. Skillman, Indiana has seen unprecedented progress. Though they inherited a $600 million deficit, they honestly balanced the budget in one year, putting Indiana back in the black—without increasing taxes. They began to revitalize Indiana's economy, creating the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, which has brought tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in new investment to the state. Gov. Daniels and Lt. Gov. Skillman have implemented key changes that will improve the lives of all Hoosiers. They worked to upgrade the state's transportation infrastructure, giving Indiana the nation's only fully-funded 10-year transportation plan. In addition, they have funded full-day kindergarten, provided long overdue benefits to veterans and service members, and reformed the state's property tax system.

Governor Daniels and Lt. Governor Becky Skillman are well prepared to represent the people of Indiana for four more years.