Hearings are expected to begin in the state Senate next week on a measure to delay the final year of income tax cuts in Ohio.
Late Wednesday, majority Democrats passed the measure. Two Republicans also voted for the measure. One of them, Ross McGregor of Springfield, explains that HB318 seemed to be the most reasonable course to take. He acknowledges, additional ideas will emerge from the Republican controlled Ohio Senate.
McGregor adds, while he agrees with Republican colleagues who say it is necessary to reduce the cost of state government, that will take more time than lawmakers have right now as they scramble to plug an $850 hole caused, in his words, by "the governor's failed slots plan." The Ohio Supreme Court ruled in favor of a group calling itself "Let Ohio Vote" which called for a referendum on a measure to place video lottery terminals or slot machines at the state's seven race tracks.
Rep. McGregor says the legislature has "wasted a lot of time in this year" by not doing a thorough, thoughtful review of state government and how to make it smaller and more efficient. He says such a review is critical to the state's future success in offering Ohioans services they need while living within the means available.