Gov. Pence has chat with reporters

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Gov. Mike Pence divulged his opinion on various issues in an informal meeting with reporters on Wednesday, including 24-Hour News 8 Political Reporter Jim Shella.

Pence talked taxes, Medicaid, and how he's handled his beginning weeks as governor.

The automatic taxpayer refund, created by Gov. Mitch Daniels, is something Pence said he supports continuing in Indiana. All Indiana taxpayers will get $111 from the state this year as a result of the measure, which gives money back to taxpayers if the state's surplus is more than 12.5 percent of the budget.

Pence also continued his argument to cut the state income tax, saying he was encouraged by the January state revenue report, which showed revenue 2.2 percent above what was forecast.

Pence also said "it's not advisable" to expand Medicaid in Indiana under the Affordable Care Act.

Since he took office, Pence said he's had 47 individual meetings with state lawmakers. He plans to have individual meetings with each of the 150 legislators.