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 22, 2009

Topics: Politics
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Once again, it appears the state’s budget situation is as bad as feared, rather than better than expected. And this week, the Office of Budget and Management said the fiscal year 2009 shortfall will be just over $912 million dollars – just beyond OBM’s estimate of $600 million to $900 million.

Late last week Ohioans learned the name of one of the many people who is facing foreclosure - the interim head of the state department of development, the agency charged with job creation. Mark Barbash stepped down after public records showed he owes $146,000 in back taxes, penalties and fees to the Internal Revenue Service and that a foreclosure action had been filed against his home in the Columbus suburb of Bexley.

Thousands of Ohio home owners who are facing foreclosure could get a six-month reprieve under a bill that passed the Ohio House this week. But it could be a while before it goes anywhere in the Senate. Rep. Tyrone Yates (D-Cincinnati) and Rep. Bill Coley (R-Middletown) commented on the bill.

The push to move slot machines to Ohio’s seven horseracing tracks brought several hundred supporters to the Statehouse this week. And as promised last week, state auditor Mary Taylor revealed her plans for next year – and she says she’ll be on the ballot for re-election, and not running for the Republican nomination for US Senate.

Gov. Ted Strickland has been trying to teach Ohioans about his education reform proposal. And recently the debate has included a new concept – religion and morality. In a society that recognizes a divide between church and state, what is the role the clergy plays in public policy? Rev. Tim Ahrens is the senior pastor at First Congregational Church in Columbus and a founder of We Believe Ohio. Dr. Mark Hamilton is an associate professor of philosophy at Ashland University and the Board Chairman of the Institute for Principled Policy.

We close on this Memorial Day weekend with images from the annual wreath laying ceremony at the Statehouse.

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