Gov. Pence: 'I'm humbled by your trust'

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Mike Pence becomes Indiana's 50th governor after taking the oath of office on a Statehouse balcony before a crowd of supporters Monday morning. 

The newly elected governor said he's humbled and eager to start writing the next chapter of Indiana's history but knows there are many challenges ahead of him.

The former congressman from Columbus, Ind., used his inaugural address to call upon all Hoosiers to help better the state.

"Tell Indiana's story. If you have a job, work at it as never before," Pence said. "If you serve the people, serve with all your heart. If you can build a business, do. If you can start a business, try. If you have a dream, reach for it."

Pence defeated Democrat John Gregg in November after a campaign that focused largely on jobs and education. The newly elected governor said improving the economy and bringing more jobs to the state are his top priorities.

"We must continue to live within our means, hold the line on spending, and let Hoosiers keep more of their hard-earned income," Pence said. "We must work together to put kids first. There's nothing that ails our schools that can't be fixed by giving parents more choices and teachers more freedom to teach."

Some Hoosiers said regardless of how the new governor says he'll get the job done they're just hoping to see some change at the Statehouse.

"Maybe a little more equal distribution of what gets funding," West Lafayette resident Alex Layne said. "It seems like education and public service programs are sort of under attack right now. If we can get a governor that can take care of all of the people so we can get a little bit more funding for programs, I think that would be good."

"We need someone that really takes responsibility for education and providing programs for poor people," Lafayette resident Derek Goodman said.

Pence and his wife Karen plan to live in the governor's residence on the north side of Indianapolis. Daniels and his wife, Cheri, never occupied the residence.

Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann and re-elected Republican Attorney General Greg Zoeller were also sworn in Monday morning.

Former Governor Mitch Daniels attended Monday's inauguration at the Statehouse.

Daniels now takes over as the new president of Purdue University upon leaving office.