| By Dave Harding, ProgressOhio - Apr 2nd, 2009 at 7:01 am EDT |
Governor Ted Strickland signed the $9.2 billion state transportation budget at 11:30 p.m last night.
Strickland:
“A 21st Century, sustainable transportation system will help to save and create Ohio jobs,”.
“This comprehensive bill is the product of thoughtful bipartisan compromise. Ohioans are best served when we seek common ground, and Speaker Armond Budish and Senate President Bill Harris deserve great credit for achieving a bipartisan agreement.”
The House and Senate passed the two-year spending plan on a bipartisan basis earlier yesterday.
The transportation budget provides $935.7 billion in federal stimulus money for transportation projects, supports the restoration of passenger rail service and increases the speed limit for trucks on interstates from 55 mph to 65 mph.
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Coughlin, Husted Vote Against Transportation Bill That Will Create 20,000 Jobs
Columbus, OH -- Senators Kevin Coughlin and Jon Husted both voted against the Transportation Conference Report today, opposing crucial job-creating projects.
The bill, which had broad bipartisan support in both chambers, invests $9.2 billion into Ohio's economy, including approximately $2 billion of federal stimulus funding for the state.
"The fact that Kevin Coughlin and Jon Husted voted against creating 20,000 good-paying jobs in Ohio is, quite frankly, mystifying," said Ohio Democratic Party Executive Director Doug Kelly. "It shows how misguided it is to continue to follow the failed ideology of George W. Bush, John Boehner and Rush Limbaugh, rather than working in practical ways to get Ohio's economy moving again. Instead of just saying "no," I'm sure many Ohio families would like to know what their proposals are to help create good-paying jobs."
"Thankfully, Ohioans voted for change in 2006 and 2008 and Ohio now has leaders like Governor Ted Strickland and House Speaker Armond Budish who understand the importance of creating jobs and investing in Ohio".
In addition to voting "no" on creating 20,000 new jobs, Senators Coughlin and Husted also voted:
* Against Health Care. The bill extends COBRA benefits to Ohioans who have lost their jobs - benefits that are fully funded by the federal government.
* Against Accountability. The bill establishes a Deputy Inspector General to oversee stimulus spending.
* Against Public Safety Investments. The bill included funding for the Department of Public Safety and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
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