The city of Gary has been in deep decline since the 1960s, and the state of Indiana has done little to assist its destitution. It is embarrassing, really, that politics has been so disabling to this city for so long. The article cites “political isolation” as one of a handful of difficulties.
“Gary’s demographics — the city is more than 80% Black and heavily Democratic — put it at odds with Indiana’s majority Republican legislature. Lawmakers have blocked initiatives that would have allowed Gary to expand its tax base and offered it little state funding, citing concerns over corruption.”
The article states that “Gov. Eric Holcomb announced a $127 million grant to improve interstates 80 and 94, which run through Gary, with funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.” In the case of Gary, one should hope for bipartisan funding and initiatives for more than just infrastructure.
Indiana’s legislature should be ashamed that, for so many years, it has done little to lift Gary (with bipartisan partnership) into the gem of a city that could be envisioned for it. If you visit Indiana Dunes National Park, you’ll understand what a city along the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan should be, especially if you visit many other cities on or near Lake Michigan in Illinois and Michigan.