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, September 25, 2009

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Two huge decisions have come down from the Ohio Supreme Court in the last week – both with major impacts on Ohio’s budget. Monday, the high court ruled that LetOhioVote.org, which opposes Gov. Ted Strickland’s slots plan, can take to the voters the question of whether to allow those video lottery terminals at Ohio’s seven horseracing tracks. Gov. Strickland and David Hansen from LetOhioVote.org react to the ruling. And the high court also sided with the state in the dispute over whether collecting the commercial activities tax (CAT) from grocers violates a constitutional ban on taxes on food.

A condemned killer who was supposed to die September 15 won’t be put to death till later this year, if at all. A U.S. District Court Judge has rescheduled a planned hearing on the case of inmate Romell Broom until Nov. 30. Amtrak says an inventory shortage means that Ohio would need to buy new trains for its planned rail service, and that will likely derail plans to have the 3C system operating by 2011. Republican State Senator Jon Husted has asked the Ohio Supreme Court to allow him to remain a registered voter in the Dayton suburb of Kettering, in the district he represents, though Democratic Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner says he isn’t legally a resident of Kettering. And Husted also saw his proposal on redrawing legislative district lines go through the Senate this week.
A 21-year veteran of the State Highway Patrol, Capt. Kevin Teaford of Grove City, has been named interim superintendent three weeks after the former chief announced he was stepping down.

For years, conservative groups have been trying to kill the estate tax, which they say it not only drives wealthy and productive Ohioans out of state, but it also hurts middle class people who aren’t very rich but have benefited from rising home values and good investment decisions. But supporters of the tax say there’s no evidence Ohioans are leaving to avoid the tax, and that middle class people aren’t paying it, and that those who want the tax to die are selfish with no regard for how the elimination of that revenue will hurt local communities. Jack Boyle is with Americans for Prosperity, which hopes to put the tax before voters next year. Brian Rothenberg from Progress Ohio opposes the proposal.

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