J. Jeff Hays - Indiana State Representative

Indiana State Representative

Hays served in the House of Representatives of the Indiana General Assembly from 1970 to 1996, representing Evansville’s Central City and Southeastern Vanderburgh County. He was a member of the powerful tax writing Ways and Means Committee, and his involvement shaped state tax and fiscal legislation. He also was Chairman of the House Commerce Committee and became an expert on utility issues.

During Hays’ tenure and in large part through his support, Indiana State University at Evansville gained independence from Indiana State University and is now the University of Southern Indiana. Hays was also a major opponent of tax abatements for corporations, stating that they shift the tax burden from corporations to citizens. Hays believed that communities are often forced to offer such abatements to lure corporate investment or to appease corporations when they threaten plant closures or layoffs. His contention was that these tax breaks usually netted little long-term return for the communities that offered them.

Hays supported Senator Edward Kennedy for President in 1980 and introduced him at a major speech in Evansville. Hays was a delegate at the 1992 Democratic convention in New York City when future president Bill Clinton was nominated for President. He was a Democratic Nominee for Mayor of Evansville in 1975, losing to the late Russell G. Lloyd, Sr. Upon his retirement, Hays commented, “Most of the issues I've seen before. It's time to turn it over to new people. I'm glad I was able to recognize that."