Matthew Empson Welsh was an American politician who was the 41st governor of Indiana and a member of the Democratic Party, serving from 1961 to 1965. His term as governor saw a major increase in statewide taxation, including the first state sales tax, and the passage of several important civil rights bills, making Indiana one of the most friendly states to ethnic and religious minorities at that time. His tax hikes led to a near-tax revolt in the state, and people began writing "Indiana—Land of Taxes" on their license plates, at entry points into the state, in stores, and other public places. The situation killed any chance he had seeking higher office and earned him the moniker "Sales Tax Matt". Despite numerous reforms and his popularity within the Democratic Party, he was defeated when he ran for governor again in 1972. After leaving office, he served as chairman of the Indiana Democratic Party, as a member of the Democratic National Committee from 1964 until 1968, and as a federal commissioner on the International Joint Commission from 1966 until 1970. Throughout his life, Welsh was known for his personal motto, "It doesn't cost you anything to be a gentleman." After his retirement in 1972, he returned to Indianapolis, where he remained until his death in 1995.

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Facts from Wikidata (CC0). Image by Robert Knudsen. White House Photographs. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

Matthew E. Welsh

Governor of Indiana (1912-1995)

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About Matthew E. Welsh

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Facts from Wikidata (CC0). Image by Robert Knudsen. White House Photographs. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

Occupation: lawyer, politician, governor, jurist
Position held: member of the Indiana House of Representatives, member of the State Senate of Indiana, Governor of Indiana
Citizenship: United States
Born: September 15, 1912
Died: May 28, 1995

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Not who you're looking for? Others named Matthew E. Welsh: bust by Daniel Edwards