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Lawmakers to Vote on Belated State Budget as Deadline Looms
By: Associated Press
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Ohio lawmakers are expected to vote on a proposed two-year state budget Wednesday, hours before the extended deadline to pass the $69 billion spending plan.
The latest version , approved Tuesday by a conference committee, includes a 4% personal income tax cut and $550 million for educational wraparound services such as mental health counseling. It would raise the age for tobacco purchases to 21, move the 2020 primary election to March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day – and change high school graduation requirements.
If passed, the budget also must be signed by GOP Gov. Mike DeWine. He can veto elements he doesn’t approve.
Ohio has been operating this month under a 17-day temporary budget since the Republican-led Legislature missed the original deadline for the first time since 2009.