Questioning use of federal funds

October 5, 2011 at 12:00a.m.

WASHINGTON

A handful of Ohio U.S. representatives, including Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th, have contacted Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to question the use of federal funds in privatizing the Ohio Turnpike.

According to a press release from Ryan’s office, a representative from the Ohio Department of Transportation confirmed the state had used federal funds from a planning and research program to fund a contractor advising the state about turnpike financing.

Those opposing the turnpike’s privatization say it will result in job losses and higher tolls.

Humphries selected for state council

YOUNGSTOWN

Tom Humphries, president and CEO of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, has been appointed by Gov. John Kasich to one of 15 seats on the new Local Government Innovation Council.

The council was created in the state’s 2012-13 budget to establish criteria for and make loans and grant awards to political subdivisions for local-government innovation projects. The Ohio Department of Development is coordinating the program.

Humphries’ term will last until Sept. 29, 2014.

Sources: Reid wants millionaire surtax

WASHINGTON

Senate Democrats intend to jettison provisions that President Barack Obama recommended to pay for his jobs bill and substitute a tax surcharge on millionaires, officials said Tuesday, hoping to unify the party for a protracted political struggle with Republicans.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., outlined plans for a 5 percent surcharge in a closed-door meeting with the rank and file, according to participants in the session, as Obama traveled to Texas to deliver his most caustic challenge yet to House Republicans who have not allowed a vote on the legislation unveiled nearly a month ago.

“What’s the problem? Do they not have the time? They just had a week off. Is it inconvenient?” he said in Mesquite, Texas, singling out House Majority Leader Eric Cantor for special criticism.

There was no indication Cantor, R-Va., or the House Republicans would agree.

But after three weeks of presidential demands for Congress to pass his jobs bill without delay, White House communications director Dan Pfeiffer said Obama was open to Reid’s changes.

Vindicator staff/wire reports