Kasich unveils new Ohio budget plan

COLUMBUS — Gov. John Kasich has proposed a reform package that decreases taxes for small businesses and low- and middle-income filers while raising rates on cigarettes, commercial activities and oil and gas produced via fracking, among other changes.

His executive budget proposal today also would require some needy residents to pay "moderate" fees for Medicaid assistance, shut down poor-performing charter schools, revamp how benefits are delivered to eligible Ohioans, increase connections between businesses and educators and increase funding for early childhood education and numerous other initiatives.

In total, the governor's budget plan outlines more than $70 billion in general revenue spending over the next two fiscal years.

For details, watch Vindy.com for updates and see Tuesday's Vindicator for the complete story.