Republican leaders in the Ohio Senate have hinted at some possible changes to the transportation budget plan that could spark a debate among the Senate, House, and governor's office.
Gov. Mike DeWine says an 18-cent gas tax increase will help Ohio keep up with major infrastructure costs. The House brought it down to a 10.7-cent increase over a two-year span.
But Republican Senate President Larry Obhof has said he’s not convinced yet that Ohio faces a dire construction budget shortfall.
And Republican strategists have suggested the Senate might cut the gas tax increase again.
Meanwhile, there’s also a sense that the Senate might try to cut down the $100 million set aside for public transit that was added in by the House.
A substitute bill is expected in committee with a full Senate vote possibly later this week, because the budget has to be signed by March 31.
