State transportation budget readied

COLUMBUS — State lawmakers from both chambers convened early Tuesday evening to hash out differences in the biennial budgets for the Ohio Department of Transportation and Department of Public Safety.

After about an hour of debate, the committee of four Republicans and two Democrats opted for the Senate version of the bill, but with one amendment related to commercial activity tax rates.

The final tally was 5-1, with state Rep. Bob Hagan of Youngstown, D-60th,   casting the opposing vote, saying the amended bill and its guarantee of funding for certain major road construction projects will hamper Gov. Ted Strickland’s initiatives.

For the complete story, see Wednesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com