News
Lawmakers Send Belated State Budget to Governor
By: Associated Press
Posted on:
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Ohio would cut personal income taxes by 4%, raise the age for buying tobacco to 21 and direct $550 million for educational wraparound services such as mental health counseling under the two-year state budget that lawmakers belatedly sent Wednesday to the governor.
The Republican-led Legislature passed a $69 billion spending plan that changes high school graduation requirements, taxes vaping products, and retains a debated business tax break and a tax credit for the motion picture industry. It also moves the 2020 primary election to St. Patrick’s Day despite Democratic lawmakers’ objections.
GOP Gov. Mike DeWine can veto budget provisions he doesn’t approve.
Ohio had operated this month under a 17-day temporary budget since lawmakers missed the original deadline for the first time since 2009.