Gov. Mike Braun ceremonially signs RV bill, addresses industry challenges at Elkhart breakfast - WNDU

Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google ELKHART, Ind. (WNDU) - Indiana Gov. Mike Braun ceremonially signed Senate Bill 13 on Thursday at the annual RV Power Breakfast event, where he addressed challenges facing the RV industry in northern Indiana. Braun said he recognizes the pressure the RV industry is feeling from rising costs but believes it will recover. “We’re in a little tough place. We’re going to find ways to get through it. And then the long-term look, long-term thinking, if you’re doing that in the business, you’re going to get through the scrapes and the short run,” Braun said. Event organizer BJ Thompson said conditions are not as bad as the 2008 financial crisis, but it is still a tough time for the industry. “Well, obviously with the economy and cost of gas and other rising costs, the industry has gone down in many sales of RVs. And so, it’s a difficult time,” Thompson said. Bill removes red tape for manufacturers During the event, Braun signed Senate Bill 13, which allows RV manufacturers to transport chassis using regular pickup trucks. Braun said it is an example of his administration trying to remove red tape. “And when it comes to something technical like 13, where it was just common sense, I say, give me more of that. And if our state is doing something that doesn’t make sense, we’ll fix it,” Braun said. Democratic candidate for Indiana’s 2nd House District Jamee Decio said the governor did not focus enough on what she calls the bigger national factors impacting RV manufacturers. “What we need is him to talk about what’s going on in Washington,” Decio said. “It’s going to take a couple years for them to get back where they’re going to be. Because until the oil crisis is over, which is going to take a while. It took at least two years plus in ’79. And that was the biggest one with the oil. There’s things that the country could do right now, but they’re not doing it.” Data centers, gas tax relief After the event, Braun spoke about the growing debate over data centers. He said local communities should decide whether they want them or not. “They’re pumping money into the community. So measure it carefully for the pros and cons. If you see it where you just don’t want it, that is your choice,” Braun said. State Sen. Linda Rogers (R-Granger) said data centers have significant positive effects. “But then we also have to look at quality of life and what the people in the area think. And so, it really is not an issue that comes before the General Assembly, but more for your local elected officials,” Rogers said. Braun said he is considering extending gas-tax relief throughout the summer as the Trump administration’s peace proposal to Iran remains at a standstill. Stay up to date on local news with WNDU on-air and online. Be sure to download the 16 News Now App and follow our YouTube page as we continue to bring you the latest news coverage. Copyright 2026 WNDU. All rights reserved.