BUDGET DEAL MAY BE CLOSE

Following an intense standoff on how to plug a $3.2 billion hole in the state budget with revenue from video lottery terminals (VLTs), there are reports that a deal may be near. The deal would apparently place the VLTs at seven Ohio race tracks without a vote of the people in November. But, it would include minimal legislative authority with major responsibility for the move resting with the governor.

Negotiators are hoping to have all details worked out in time to pass the two-year budget before the second one week interim budget expires on July 14. However, lawmakers may have to pass another one or two day interim budget allowing time to get the biennial budget ready. Since July 1, the state has been operating under interim budgets that are 30 percent below current funding levels.

Once a deal is struck, the budget conference committee must meet to act on all differences between the previously-passed House and Senate budgets. Then the conference committee report will go to the House and Senate floors for approval before being sent to the governor for his signature.

Legislative Update Publication Schedule

The Ohio Chamber will continue to publish Legislative Update until the Ohio General Assembly recesses for the summer. Publication may occur on different dates and less than on a weekly basis. However, the publication will reflect all current legislative activity that affects the business community, including the on-going state budget deliberations.

Linda Woggon - Vice President, Governmental Affairs
Dan Navin - Assistant Vice President, Tax and Economic Policy
Tony Fiore - Director, Labor and Human Resources Policy
Carrie Haughawout - Director, Ohio Small Business Council
Jennifer Klein - Director, Energy and Environmental Policy
Chris Brock - Grassroots Coordinator
Sherry Heffner - Governmental Affairs Assistant
Tami Ball - Administrative Assistant