Minority Democrats in the Ohio Senate have offered more than 500 amendments to the chamber's version of the two year state budget - more than twice the number they proposed two years ago. Ohio Public Radio's Andy Chow reports.
Senate Minority Leader Joe Schiavoni of the Youngstown area says a lot of his caucus’ amendments deal with accomplishing their priorities which include developing well-paying jobs, safe communities and good schools.
He says another 100 amendments deal with Medicaid, to tweak eligibility and expanded access.
The rest, according to Schiavoni, are a lot of changes that influence each senator’s district in a more specific way. For example, Schiavoni says he’s offering amendments to address developmental center closings and racino payments.
“So when you see that large number it seems like it’s a ton of amendments but a lot of them are very specific amendments that are one or two line amendments,” said Schiavoni.
The Senate is expected to introduce a revised budget bill next week.