Strickland outlines plan to rejuvenate Ohio budget

February 5, 2008 at 5:16p.m.

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland (D-Lisbon)

With a struggling economy and an anticipated major state budget shortfall, Gov. Ted Strickland will outline his plans to turn around Ohio during Wednesday’s State of the State address.

Strickland, a Democrat formerly of Lisbon, recently said the state’s budget shortfall by June 2009 is between $733 million and $1.9 billion.

The governor’s already initiated cuts such as limiting travel, reducing at least 1,500 state jobs, closing two mental health facilities, limiting personal service contracts and equipment purchases. That would save the state $733 million, he said.

The governor also is considering eliminating another 1,200 state jobs, cutting some programs, expanding the lottery and using a portion of the state’s $1 billion rainy-day fund.

State legislators from the Mahoning Valley expect Strickland to discuss other ways to cut spending and increase revenue for Ohio during Wednesday’s speech.

“We have to live within our means like all Ohioans do,” said state Sen. Jason Wilson of Columbiana, D-30th. “We have to watch our money and spend it wisely.”

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