Ohio lawmakers ready to pass temporary budget

COLUMBUS (AP) — The state is about to enter its first temporary budget in almost two decades as lawmakers struggle to balance Ohio’s $54 billion budget.

House lawmakers were prepared to approve a seven-day spending plan today that will allow the state to keep operating while budget talks continue.

The deadline for a balanced budget is Wednesday, but lawmakers realized they couldn’t get the deal worked out by then.

At issue is a fight over raising $933 million with lottery-run video slot machines at Ohio’s seven horse race tracks.

Gov. Ted Strickland, a Democrat, wants Senate Republicans to support the plan as a way to fill Ohio’s $3.2 billion deficit.

Senate President Bill Harris says Strickland has the authority to authorize the game without legislative help.