INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb gave his State of the State Address Tuesday night highlighting the economic expansion amid the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that many challenges remain from the ongoing health crisis.

Holcomb’s speech before lawmakers gathered inside the Statehouse avoided topics where he’s facing disagreements with fellow Republicans who are pushing one proposal that would force businesses to allow exemptions from any workplace COVID-19 vaccination requirements and another bill seeking broad business and individual tax cuts.

Much of the governor’s address focused on touting the state’s economy, pointing to low unemployment and its large — and growing — state budget surplus because of a big jump in tax collections.