State spending bill to move on to Ohio Senate

COLUMBUS (AP) — The Ohio House has finished its work on a $1.57 billion spending bill aimed at generating jobs and stimulating the state’s flagging economy.

The Senate takes up the bipartisan measure next week and also is expected to pass it, as the House did Wednesday. Supporters say by having the state invest in road, bridge and water projects, as well as new energy technologies, the bill will create at least 57,000 jobs. over the next five years.

Gov. Ted Strickland announced a $1.7 billion stimulus package in his February State of the State message, but had to compromise with lawmakers who balked at the level of borrowing called for in the governor’s plan.