COLUMBUS, Ohio – Governor John Kasich’s voluminous midterm budget is being divided into 14 separate bills and doled out to nearly as many Statehouse committees.
House Speaker William Batchelder (R-Medina) announced the plan Tuesday for tackling the 1,600-page document because the package is a “comprehensive, policy-rich” document that deserves “thorough consideration.”
“This approach ensures that each component of the MBR will receive the time and attention it deserves from individuals with experience on the topic,” he said.
The governor’s plan makes sweeping tax and education changes and streamlines government services for jobseekers and the poor. It contains an 8.5-percent income tax cut funded by tax increases on drilling, tobacco products and commercial activity.
Batchelder sent to 11 House committees bills broken down by categories such as education, taxes, workforce development, mental health, gambling and veterans issues.
With the House considering separate industry-backed drilling tax changes, Kasich’s proposed increase was contained in a stand-alone bill.