The state budget bill (HB 33) was approved by the Ohio House of Representatives 78-19 with minimal additional action when it was facing a floor vote in the House. Two democrats, representatives Elliot Forhan (S. Euclid) and Joseph Miller (Lorain) joined 17 republicans in opposing the bill. The republican opposition came from backers of Derek Merrin (Monclovia), whose bid to become Speaker of the House was upended unexpectedly by Jason Stephens (Kitts Hill) earlier this year. That battle continues to create a rift within the house republicans that was evident in the floor vote on HB 33. The Speaker declined to recognize some republicans for the purpose of offering budget amendments dealing with universal school education choice vouchers and transgender athletes’ participation in women’s sports. After showing their displeasure, the Merrin backers left the house chamber after the HB 33 vote.

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