http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wcbe/local-wcbe-876529.mp3
Columbus, OH – A state budget compromise that calls for Ohioans to pay more than expected in 2009 taxes cleared the state legislature last night. Many Democrats and a few Republicans who supported the bill say it is the best way to fill an $850 million state budget gap.
Republicans who most vigorously opposed the plan behind the scenes delivered scathing floor speeches in the Senate opposing the compromise and Democratic Governor Ted Strickland's handling of the budget. Democrats defended Strickland as ushering a difficult budget through a historic economic crisis. For the majority of Ohioans, the tax change means they will have to forgo tax savings of less than $150. More from statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen.