The State of Ohio is a weekly news program spotlighting the latest happenings at the Statehouse, in the Governor’s office, at the Ohio Supreme Court and throughout the Buckeye State. Award-winning host Karen Kasler presents viewers with unique analysis and thoughtful perspective on important issues of statewide interest through interviews with political leaders, newsmakers, experts and Ohio citizens. The State of Ohio is the only TV show to bring to Ohioans the latest news about taxes, voting, education and other critical matters from where it all happens -- Capitol Square.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Topics: Economy, Politics, Other
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It’s the start of the holiday season, but there wasn’t much to celebrate on Capitol Square this week. For the third time in this two year budget cycle, Ohio is facing a multi-million dollar budget gap, and layoffs and big cuts are possible soon. State budget director Pari Sabety laid out the bad news, and though Gov. Ted Strickland says he won’t go for a tax increase, he may have to support dipping into the state’s rainy-day fund.

And the numbers of people in need are swelling in Ohio – unemployment is at 7.3%, compared to 5.7% a year ago. When the economy is in free fall and services are slashed, local charitable groups and faith based organizations are on the front lines to fill in the gaps, providing food, clothing, and other good and services. Two experts in the field talk about what they’re dealing with now. Lisa Hamlar Fugitt is the executive director of the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Food Banks, which is also the lead agency in the Ohio Benefit Bank, which seeks to connect people in need with programs that can help them. And Barbara Packer is the corporate director of all the Ohio food pantries operated by Lutheran Social Services.

It wasn’t all doom and gloom this week. It is, for many people, the most wonderful time of the year. And the state tried to create some magical holiday moments by turning the lights on not one, but two live trees on the west side of the Statehouse lawn. And this week brought back an annual holiday tradition – lunchtime entertainment at the Statehouse from choirs from around the state – this week featured the Chamber Singers from Lancaster High School.

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