Governor offers revenue warning

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Governor Mitch Daniels delivered what he called a "sober message" on the economy Thursday in West Lafayette.

The governor told members of Greater Lafayette Commerce that state revenue in October was below projections for the fourth month in a row.  He said his administration is still working to deal with the shortfall.

"We look for programs, we evaluate programs, and those that aren't working, even if they have a great purpose, or intention, we'll probably be stopping a few more of those. We will continue to try to find ways to deliver quality services with fewer employees," Daniels said.

Pressed by reporters about possible layoffs of state employees, Daniels would not be specific.  

"Up to this point, we've had no involuntary job reductions, other than those for poor performance. I don't know whether we can maintain that a lot longer, we'll certainly try. And if anybody is displaced, we'll certainly make sure they're put up to the front of the line for any vacancy that might come up, but we'll do everything else first," Daniels said.

Daniels would not say how far from projections October revenue was.   He said he plans to make an announcement on Friday about how he plans to deal with the shortfall.