Officeholders at odds on sales tax repeal

COLUMBUS - Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell wants a ballot measure to repeal the one-penny increase enacted in the state's two-year budget last July. Attorney General Jim Petro agreed that eliminating the tax early would be good, but Auditor Betty Montgomery warned that would cause chaos in state agencies that already have set budgets, signed contracts and promised services.

The three Republicans outlined the measures they will back in the GOP-dominated Legislature at a 2004 preview.

Lawmaker's bill seeks end to township rule

INDIANAPOLIS - Rep. Bob Kuzman, D-Crown Point, said his bill to eliminate township government would help streamline government. He said the county assessor could take over township assessor duties, while the auditor could handle the dog tax fund.

Ky. General Fund increased in Dec.

FRANKFORT - Kentucky's General Fund receipts in December increased by 6.4 percent compared with the same month the year before, the state budget director's office reported.