Speaking to reporters in Columbus and over the internet, Governor Ted Strickland insists voters elected him and state lawmakers to handle Ohio's budget crisis. He says, "I believe that my proposal is the best way to do that."
That plan, which includes Video Lottery Terminals bringing in almost a billion dollars a year, was approved in the House but flatly rejected by the Republican-controlled Senate, forcing lawmakers to approve temporary budgets to keep the state operating.
Valley Representatives Ron Gerberry and Bob Hagan met with reporters and staff from agencies that depend on the state for funding. Both claim Senate President Bill Harris not only refuses to consider the VLT option, he's offered nothing in the way of alternatives.
With crucial races next year as well as in 2012, Hagan claims the stalemate is all about politics.
While both say they will continue to press leaders in Columbus to resolve their differences quickly, they also encouraged voters to make their feelings known as well.
