State of State speech: Kasich says he won't raise taxes

COLUMBUS (AP) — Gov. John Kasich says in his first State of the State speech that he won’t raise taxes during the upcoming budget debate.

Kasich says Ohio can’t tax its way out of its economic problems and can’t cut its way out through budget reductions.

The Republican elected last year says he’ll propose government restructuring in his budget next week, though he isn’t providing details.

Kasich also says he’ll include changes to Ohio’s criminal sentencing laws in his budget to save money by reducing the number of people returning to prison.

Hundreds of protesters angry about GOP plans to reduce collective bargaining for public employees are inside the Statehouse watching the speech and boos and shouts can be heard as Kasich delivers his address.