Ohio Lawmakers Cancel Weekend Budget Discussions

COLUMBUS, Ohio—State lawmakers have canceled weekend negotiations about major sticking points regarding Ohio’s two-year transportation budget.  Ohio House spokesman Keary McCarthy says talks between the Democratic-controlled House and Republican-controlled Senate will resume Monday.  Republicans want the Legislature to have a say before any construction begins on a passenger rail plan if it wins federal stimulus money. Democrats want approval to come from the state Controlling Board they control.
   
Republicans are also upset about a Democratic plan to end roughly $50 million in payments to motor fuel sellers to collect the state’s gasoline tax.  Ohio’s ability to spend stimulus funds on infrastructure projects depends on the transportation budget passing.

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