In a surprise move 6 Senate Republicans last night decided to "jump ship" from their fellow Republicans and vote for the Governor's plan to balance the budget (by delaying the scheduled income tax reduction this fiscal year) which the House has already passed.  And, over significant opposition, Senators agreed to amend the OCRP bill into that budget bill and send it back to the House. 
 

 

This will all happen today.

 

First the bill will be heard in the Senate Finance Committee where an amendment to delete the OCRP portion is expected, but likely will be defeated.  Then the bill will go to the full Senate this afternoon where another attempt to remove it is likely, but also expected to fail.  

 

When the dust settles, I expect the Governor's tax delay plan -- including the OCRP bill-- to be sent back to the House today.

 

At that point, if the Governor persuades Rep.Szolosi to lift his possible opposition in the House, the House is expected to agree to the Senate amendments and send the bill to the Governor for signing.  If the House refuses to agree, the bill will go to a House/Senate Conference Committee for compromise.

 

Not immediately known is which of several draft bills of the OCRP recommendations has been selected for inclusion in the budget bill.   AIA supports the Construction Reform Panel's recommendations so long as they maintain the integrity of the Qualification Based Selection (QBS) System.

 

David W. Field, CAE, Hon. AIA
Executive Vice President

AIA-Ohio