Ind. Governor Plans to Gradually Announce Legislative Goals

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels said Wednesday he would spend the coming weeks outlining specific proposals he will push during the 2007 legislative session, including detailed plans for full-day kindergarten and health insurance for low-income residents.

Daniels gave a timeline for his announcements while speaking at the Indiana Chamber of Commerce annual awards dinner. Daniels, who received the group’s 2006 Public Service Award, did not mention specifics about any of the agenda items.

Daniels said he would announce a new infrastructure proposal related to the Interstate 69 extension between Indianapolis and Evansville on Thursday at an engineering luncheon. He said the proposal could boost economic development efforts in several regions.

The governor plans to release next week a proposal to provide health insurance to low-income residents who currently aren’t covered by health insurance plans.

Daniels said he plans to meet with the state’s Education Roundtable once more before announcing in December the specific components of his plan for expanded optional, full-day kindergarten.

Also in December, Daniels said he would outline his budget proposal.

Daniels has said he would insist on a balanced budget and planned to seek an increase in the cigarette tax in hopes it will encourage people to stop smoking. He also wants to give local governments more taxing and spending authority to reduce the reliance on property taxes.

Other upcoming announcements include proposals dealing with welfare and veterans.

Daniels said he was excited for the next legislative session, when he will be working with a GOP-ruled Senate and a Democrat-controlled House.

“I can’t wait to get started,” he said.