(Information in the following story is from: The Journal Gazette, http://www.journalgazette.net) http://www.journalgazette.net)

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – The Indiana House panel tasked with writing a state budget every other year is facing a potential split. Literally.

Departing House Ways and Means Chairman Jeff Espich (ES’-pik) tells The Journal Gazette of Fort Wayne that splitting its taxing and budgeting duties into separate House committees might work.

The idea stems from an overhaul of the state Senate in 2004. Then-Senate President Pro Tem Robert Garton divided Senate budget duties after then-Finance Chairman Larry Borst lost re-election.

Espich is retiring after 40 years in the General Assembly. The House’s new budget leaders will likely be picked by House Republicans after November’s elections. Republicans hold a hefty 60-40 seat edge in the House