Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) challenged lawmakers to spend state money more wisely and not to raise taxes as they write a new budget for tough economic times. But Daniels also reminded legislators Indiana’s problems were minor compared to those of other states.
“Thanks in large part to the people here assembled, we can speak tonight of challenge, but not crisis; issues, but not emergencies,” Daniels told members of the Democratic-controlled House and Republican-held Senate in his speech delivered Jan. 13.
Daniels singled out education as an area where money could be spent more effectively, by redirecting more resources from administrative costs to teachers’ salaries and other classroom expenses.
The governor said the tough financial climate means he will have to put off two of his pet education projects: full-day kindergarten and guaranteed college tuition paid for by leasing the state’s lottery (an idea that also ran into legal roadblocks.)
Daniels renewed his push for streamlining local governments, an idea he promoted last year as well. He also called on lawmakers to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot to restrict local property tax growth.
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