The Kelley School of Business' annual economic forecast, released Thursday, shows demand for Indiana-made goods could help the state evade the nation's economic doldrums.

The Pence administration says the proposal aims to generate outside investment, potentially elevating the value of the overall plan.

Estimates from the Department of Workforce Development show that, in the last six months, more Indiana workers have qualified for federal benefits due to trade-related layoffs than in any of the past five years -- more than 3,200 since Jan. 1.

Indiana's unemployment rate fell to 5 percent in May, led by a boost in hiring in trade, transportation and utilities.

Gregg said the plan won’t require any new or increased taxes, relying instead on shifting existing resources.

According to the IDEC, the state has created more than 26,000 jobs last year and more than 8,000 this year.

Indiana has trailed the nation in gross domestic product growth during three of the past four years. But the Kelley School of Business panel's annual economic forecast projects that the state's GDP will grow at a slightly faster rate into 2017.