Ohio budget debate mired in gridlock

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio’s budget debate is immobilized in partisan gridlock.

Both Democrats and Republicans are internally divided as their leaders balance the effects of a bad economy, term limits and a not-so-distant election. An $850 million hole in the budget may not be filled before year’s end — leaving school districts, social service agencies and state employee unions worried.

Ohio is one of only a handful of states where the House and Senate are controlled by different parties this session, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. It appears to be taking its toll.

A group of fellow Democrats broke from Gov. Ted Strickland last week over a construction reform proposal. Meanwhile, Republicans are also without a fix acceptable to most of their members.