Daniels Focuses On Second Term Tasks

The Star's Bill Ruthhart discusses priority tasks for Gov. Mitch Daniels' second term. Making property tax caps permanent through a constitutional amendment and further streamlining local government top the list. He also wants to provide college tuition assistance to families making less than $60,000 a year. House Speaker Pat Bauer, whose Democrats will maintain at least a 51-49 majority in the House, tells Ruthhart his caucus will work constructively with Daniels. It also seems likely the budget will soon come to the forefront again as state revenues decline in the face of a deep recession, although Indiana's financial condition is in much better shape than most states at this point in time.