State Senators Approve Legislation To Limit Power Of State Controlling Board

Ohio senators have approved a bill to place limits on a legislative board that had a key role in the state's expansion of Medicaid. The proposal comes after the quietly powerful state Controlling Board cleared the way last month for $2.56 billion in federal funds to be spent on covering thousands more Ohioans in the Medicaid health program. Gov. John Kasich's administration brought the spending request to the panel, bypassing the full Legislature. The seven-member board handles certain adjustments to the state budget. The bill would restrict the board from authorizing appropriation increases exceeding 1 percent of the state's general revenue fund for that budget year. Currently, that limit is about $300 million. The proposal passed 23-10. It now goes to the House where other restrictions have been introduced.