Weekly Update

Statement

Weekly Update

Governor holds forums to discuss property tax relief plan

Jan. 29, 2008- Governor Mitch Daniels attended several events this week
to discuss his plan to bring immediate and permanent property tax relief
to Hoosiers. He spoke to a gathering of county government officials in
Indianapolis and traveled to public forums in Valparaiso and Kokomo.
Daniels encouraged controlled local spending during a discussion about
his proposal at Valparaiso City Hall.

"The question can no longer be: How much does government think it needs? It has to be: How much can the taxpayer reasonably be expected to
pay?" said Daniels.

The governor later addressed a large crowd and took questions from Kokomo residents during an event hosted by Citizens United for Tax Relief.

President Bush signs disaster declaration for northern IN

Jan. 31, 2008- Governor Daniels has received word that President George W. Bush has approved the request for federal assistance for Hoosier homeowners, renters and businesses in northern Indiana damaged by flooding that began January 7.

The president sent a letter to the governor declaring a major disaster in the state of Indiana and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts. The president's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Carroll, Cass, Elkhart, Fulton, Jasper, Marshall, Pulaski,
Tippecanoe, and White Counties. The governor sent a letter to the president requesting assistance for affected Hoosiers on January 23.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Daniels answers questions at Saint Joseph's College

Jan. 31, 2008- During a visit to campus, Governor Daniels held a question and answer session with Saint Joseph's College students, faculty and Rensselaer community members.

With a large assembly of education majors and professors, many attendees asked for the governor's thoughts on various education issues, ranging from ISTEP testing to school funding. While discussing higher education, Governor Daniels encouraged the Saint Joseph's students to remain in Indiana
after graduating in order to prevent the "brain drain" of young college graduates from the state.

Governor Daniels also discussed the Healthy Indiana Plan health insurance program, the state's economy, immigration and transportation issues during the forum.

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