Strickland seeks more federal aid

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Governor Ted Strickland

COLUMBUS (AP) — Gov. Ted Strickland said Thursday he’ll continue to ask the White House for additional financial help until the state emerges from the economic recession.

The $8.2 billion that Ohio received last year from the federal stimulus package was critical to saving the state’s social safety nets, including Medicaid, Strickland said.

Tough economic times require additional help from Washington, but the state also must do everything it can to spur job creation, Strickland said at a political preview session for journalists organized by The Associated Press.

Strickland didn’t assess the likelihood of further federal assistance. The Democrat specifically called on Republicans who control the state Senate to increase funding for Ohio’s Third Frontier program, which provides startup money for companies in industries such as alternative energy and biomedical research.

Democrats in the House passed a version that provides $950 million over five years, while the Senate’s version adds $500 million, plus $100 million for highways and other public works projects.

Strickland said the Senate version is anemic. The two sides must strike a deal by Tuesday to get the measure before voters on the May ballot.

“If this gets caught up in the political back and forth, we’ll lose something very valuable for our state,” he said.

Sen. President Bill Harris, who addressed journalists after Strickland left, said he was confident that a compromise could be reached.