INDIANAPOLIS – Gov. Mike Pence promised that Indiana’s “best days are yet to come” in a hopeful inaugural speech after taking the oath Monday as Indiana’s 50th governor.
About 2,000 Hoosiers witnessed the ceremony in chilly January weather outside the Indiana Statehouse. Hand-warmers were passed out to keep the 19-degree temperature at bay.
Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann and Attorney General Greg Zoeller also were sworn in and gave short speeches.
After the event, Pence went to his new Statehouse office to sign paperwork that makes his ascension legal. And he was set to sign executive orders and meet with legislative leadership in the afternoon.
During his speech, he said Indiana has emerged in recent years as a torch of fiscal responsibility, innovation and reform.
“This is our time to shine. But to whom much is given, much will be required,” Pence said. “We dare not squander this moment with complacency or self-congratulation. With so many Hoosiers hurting in this economy, we must meet this moment with resolve, determined to leave our state more prosperous, our children more prepared, and our communities and families stronger than ever before.”
