Taft appoints new tax commissioner

COLUMBUS - Gov. Bob Taft has appointed a health care consultant and former administration official under Gov. James Rhodes as tax commissioner.

William Wilkins, 53, who will start his new job Jan. 19, is president and chief executive officer of Columbus-based Global Health Solutions. Wilkins also served as state budget director from 1976 to 1979.

Fletcher sympathizes with health advocates

FRANKFORT - Gov. Ernie Fletcher on Tuesday asked for patience from health care advocates who rallied at the Capitol in an effort to have him rescind Medicaid cuts.

At issue are changes in Medicaid eligibility standards ordered by former Gov. Paul Patton to offset a looming deficit in the $4 billion-a-year Medicaid program.

Indiana will cut from disability division

INDIANAPOLIS - More than 4,000 disabled people throughout Indiana could see their state services reduced under changes designed to eliminate a $21 million deficit in the program that helps them.

The state's division of disability services has announced it will trim nonessential services in an effort to save $12.5 million by June 30.