INDIANAPOLIS - The General Assembly plans to convene today with plenty of issues ripe for debate, including property taxes, education proposals and legislation aimed at reducing drunken driving.

But Indiana's lingering budget deficit could doom any proposal with a price tag, and some lawmakers say they will be surprised if Democratic Gov. Joe Kernan presents any significant wish list.

Kernan, who is running for a full term this year, is not expected to announce his agenda until Jan. 13, when he will give his first State of the State speech. His proposals, or lack of them, might hinge in part on an updated state fiscal forecast due out the previous day.

4 killed in Ky. during New Year's holiday

FRANKFORT - Four people died on Kentucky roadways over the New Year's holiday period, which ended Sunday evening, according to preliminary state police statistics.

Last year, five people died in four crashes during the same period.

This year's traffic fatalities occurred in separate crashes in Boone, Henderson, Jefferson and Pulaski counties.

The New Year's period ran from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 11:59 p.m. Sunday.