Ohio House Readies For Vote On Compromise Budget

A sweeping new state budget faces a vote in the Ohio House today. The $55.7 billion, two-year spending plan privatizes some prisons and the Ohio Turnpike, repeals the estate tax, bans most abortions in public hospitals and overhauls Medicaid. The measure cleared the state Senate yesterday. A House vote is scheduled for today, and the Governor is expected to sign the budget Thursday. State law requires a budget be passed by July 1.