(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) – State Representative Bob Bischoff (D-Greendale) announced a plan to help create jobs in Indiana as he runs for re-election this November.

The longtime District 68 representative is listed on the ballot against Franklin County Republican Jud McMillin. The two had run close in 2008’s general election as Bischoff claimed a narrow victory by less than 500 votes.

On Tuesday, Bischoff introduced his proposal which focuses on three areas - small business growth, ways to ensure Hoosiers come first when jobs are created, and holding big corporations accountable.

“There are over 320,000 unemployed Hoosiers in Indiana and every county in our community has seen unemployment continue to increase,” Bischoff said.  “If re-elected, my first priority will continue to be creating jobs and bringing businesses to our small towns.”

Bischoff accused House Republicans of ignoring job creation during the 2010 legislative session as the Democrat-controlled chamber approved a jobs plan creating tax incentives for businesses which move to Indiana. He said the plan eventually received bi-partisan support.

“That plan was a great start, but we must do more,” Bischoff said. “There have been 300,000 Hoosiers unemployed for 18 months, so ignoring job creation, as Indianapolis Republicans attempted in 2010, is not an option.”

The Democrat is now proposing to create a new tax credit for small businesses that hire previously unemployed Hoosiers, up to $3,000 per employee.

Bischoff’s plan also includes a measure requiring businesses granted state contracts to hire at least 90 percent of their workers from Indiana.

“Hoosiers tax dollars should be spent getting Hoosier employed,” Bischoff said.  “Our state funded road and construction contracts should be going to companies that hire Hoosiers, not people from Michigan.”