A freeze on tuition for state colleges will remain in effect for two more academic years.

By Marc Kovac | September 11, 2008 at 12:00a.m.

COLUMBUS — Gov. Ted Strickland has announced another $540 million in budget cuts, citing a continued national economic slowdown that has deprived “Ohio of expected revenue.”

The cuts come in addition to $733 million in reductions announced by the governor in January, bringing the total state spending cut to nearly $1.3 billion.

Strickland and state budget director Pari Sabety announced the move during a Wednesday press conference in the governor’s Cabinet Room at the Statehouse. They outlined an across-the-board 4.75 percent cut for state agencies, though certain programs and line-items will be spared or subject to smaller reductions.

For example, the expansion of the homestead property tax exemption and a two-year tuition freeze for state colleges and universities, implemented last year, will remain intact.

“We are making tough decisions, but we’re doing that while also protecting the core priorities, such as education, providing health care to our children and supporting tax reform that I believe will help revitalize our economy in the long run,” Strickland said.

Agencies have about two weeks to outline their budget cuts, which will be implemented in early October. Strickland and Sabety could not say how many jobs would be affected, pending the outcome of those submissions.

But Strickland did say he didn’t think any other state institutions would be closed, as was the case earlier this year, when state-run psychiatric hospitals in Cambridge and Dayton ceased operations. “I do not anticipate that happening,” he said. “... I have no reason to believe that there will be additional institutions closed.”

The governor also held out the possibility of additional difficult economic times ahead. “While it’s raining now, I fear that there is a much larger storm looming ahead,” he said, adding later, “We’re trying to deal with circumstances in a rational, fiscally conservative manner understanding that the national economy continues to be very, very challenging and that is in effect having a very direct impact on what’s happening to our state’s economy.”

Strickland said the federal government needs to recognize the “significant budget shortfalls” facing 29 states.

“It’s time — it’s past time — for a more aggressive and a more vigorous jobs stimulus package at the federal level,” he said.

“Today, I call upon the federal government and the president to consider such action.”

He added later, “Many of those states are facing circumstances even much more difficult than we’re facing here in Ohio. ... I think there needs to be a recognition that the states are in need of assistance. ... The need is there, and we are communicating with our federal representatives to let them know that we think the federal government has a responsibility to help us with these problems.”

mkovac@dixcom.com