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, March 19, 2010

Topics: Politics
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An inmate who was supposed to be executed more than a week ago was put to death this week, and Lawrence Reynolds Jr. used his final words to blast the death penalty and the justice system. The Ohio Supreme Court says the Adam Walsh Act that reclassified sex offenders into three groups allows for some of them to avoid community notification requirements. Ohio's top transportation official has spent much of this week defending the plan to restore passenger train service in the state, answering concerns from Senate President Bill Harris by saying that the 3C train project can be completed with its budgeted $400 million in federal stimulus funds.

Even though the state just fixed the budget three months ago, and is more than 10 months away from the start of the next budget cycle, the budget and state spending are still top of mind for many lawmakers. It was evident in the House this week, as lawmakers took up the capital improvements re-appropriations bill. Republicans including Rep. Ron Amstutz (R-Wooster) proposed an amendment that he says would slow down projects, saying the state has to get more careful about how it spends its money. But Democrats such as Rep. Steven Dyer (D-Green) said the amendment would cause delays and wouldn’t dramatically chip away at the budget deficit.

Over the last two weeks, the two candidates for governor – Republican John Kasich and Democrat Ted Strickland – have been here on the show and taken questions about Ohio’s budget situation. Over the next few weeks, lawmakers and other experts will talk about the budget and what might be ahead for Ohio. We start with Jon Honeck of the Center for Community Solutions and Matt Mayer of the Buckeye Institute.

Send questions and comments to kkasler@statehousenews.org.