Getting Schooled In Budget Economics

Here in Ohio, Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland says his back is against the wall on filling the state's $850 million budget hole, and that hole's going to be filled with schools.

The Democrat told reporters on Monday that other programs such as libraries and mental health services have already been cut and probably can't be cut further. He says all that's left is education, including primary and secondary schools and colleges and universities.

Strickland says Republicans who have suggested schools could be spared have not identified other areas for cutting.

Ohio Senate GOP leaders say they can provide Democrats with enough votes to pass a budget bill that would suspend an income tax cut, but only if it includes changes to state construction rules. Strickland says that issue should wait.

If somebody wants to explain to me how an income tax cut is going to help the state's budget situation, I'm all ears.  As it looks however, the Buckeye State's about to get a harsh lesson in economics.  And in 2010, it's not going to be the only state.