Gov. Chafee weighing tax proposal

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee says he is "considering" a proposal to raise taxes to eliminate a projected $120 million deficit in next year's state budget.

In an interview about his legislative priorities for 2012 Chafee tells The Associated Press that additional taxes might be preferable to deeper budget cuts to government programs.

But he says he hasn't finalized a proposal for lawmakers.

Chafee, an independent, says he also wants to find ways to help cities and towns reduce mounting pension costs. He says other priorities for the year are improving the economy and making government more efficient.

January marks the start of Chafee's second year in office.

The state's General Assembly is scheduled to return to the Statehouse on Tuesday to kick off the 2012 legislative session.