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, May 1, 2009

Topics: Economy, Politics, Health
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As officials around the state were readying their plans for dealing with a possible pandemic of swine flu – or H 1 N1 influenza A, as it’s being called – state lawmakers spent long hours in close quarters trying to pass the state budget. And after four hours of partisan debate that showed deep splits between Democrats and Republicans, the Ohio House has sent on to the Senate its version of the $54 billion two year spending plan. Among those who spoke on the floor were Rep. Bill Coley (R-Middletown), Rep. Dan Stewart (D-Columbus), Rep. Ron Amstutz (R-Wooster), Rep. John Domenick (D-Smithfield), Rep. Seth Morgan (R-Huber Heights), Rep. Stephen Dyer (D-Green), Rep. Jennifer Garrison (D-Marietta) and Rep. Shannon Jones (R-Springboro). A few hours before the budget passed, Gov. Ted Strickland was asked about the Republicans’ claims that the budget is unsustainable. And the Ohio Republican Party also weighed in on the budget, saying it was full of “reckless spending and fiscal mismanagement”.

Speaking of party politics, both parties are looking to next year – not a budget, but the ballot. The race to replace US Senator George Voinovich is wide open, with a recent Quinnipiac poll showing either Democrat Jennifer Brunner or Lee Fisher would beat the announced Republican Rob Portman, but half of voters of both parties are undecided. Ohio Democratic Party Chair Chris Redfern and Ohio Republican Party Chair Kevin DeWine talk about how the race is shaping up, at least in terms of fundraising.

And back on the subject of money… last week bombastic financial commentator Jim Cramer brought his CNBC show “Mad Money” to Ohio State University in Columbus, as part of the program’s tour of college and university campuses. Cramer talks about the credibility of financial journalism and whether investors can trust him.

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