Kasich challenger says Ohio budget is 'train wreck'

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ed FitzGerald, the Cuyahoga County executive who plans to challenge Gov. John Kasich next year, says the new state budget is a “train wreck” for the middle class.

FitzGerald, a Democrat, tells reporters in Columbus that the budget lawmakers approved Thursday shifts the tax burden to local governments. And he says the Republican governor should veto all the abortion provisions that are included.

The Ohio Legislature passed a $62 billion, two-year budget that cuts personal income taxes, revamps the school funding system and adds the new abortion restrictions.

Kasich is expected to sign the measure before the deadline Sunday after exercising his line-item veto power.

Kasich and Republican legislative leaders are scheduled to gather later today at the governor’s mansion to discuss the budget with reporters.