COLUMBUS — Millions of state tax dollars that would have paid for everything from healthy babies to elderly care would be redirected to help fix Ohio's school funding system, records show.

        An examination of the House Republicans' newly proposed budget reveals several state agencies, commissions and programs stand to lose more than $600 million to a budget shortfall and an Ohio Supreme Court order to narrow the gap between rich and poor school districts.

        “We're getting ready to move a $45 billion budget and everyone is unhappy,” said state Rep. Gary Cates, R-West Chester, the House's second-ranking Republican.

        Higher education would take the biggest hit - more than $150 million intended to help keep down tuition, lure research grants and serve at-risk students. While that raises a grim prospect of steep tuition increases for students' families, the budget ax is falling elsewhere.

PROPOSED CUTS

Several state agencies would lose millions they planned to spend over the next two years under a House Republican budget plan that shifts the money to schools. Here is a look at agencies that stand to absorb the biggest cuts.    1. Higher Education: $150.6 million.    2. Job and Family Services: $146.6 million.    3. Development: $47.6 million.    4. Controlling Board: $28.9 million.    5. Administrative Services: $27.8 million.    6. Health: $14.5 million.    7. Transportation: $13.7 million.    8. Natural Resources: $10.3 million.    9. Attorney General: $9.4 million.    10. Environmental Protection: $7 million.    Source: Legislative Service Commission

        Help Me Grow, a Department of Health program that encourages early prenatal and well-baby care, would lose $8.8 million over two years. That's 26 percent less than what Gov. Bob Taft originally proposed.

        The Department of Aging would lose $4.8 million in planned funding increases for a variety of senior citizen initiatives. Of that amount, $2.5 million would help expand a program that helps seniors live in their own homes instead of nursing homes.

        Grant programs intended to help companies expand and train workers would shrink by $30 million over two years. Another $23 million to help businesses invent new products and spur biomedical research also would be lost.

        “This is a key part of our budget,” said Tom Johnston, chief financial officer for the Department of Development.

        The state's economy and its unconstitutional school funding system are driving the cuts.

        Lawmakers face a projected $562 million shortfall in tax revenues. They also must meet an Ohio Supreme Court-imposed June 15 deadline to reform school funding.

        The $1.4 billion schools plan, which lawmakers included in the budget bill, would spend over $600 million more than Mr. Taft originally proposed.

        While the budget plan is expected to pass the House with majority Republican support, Democratic lawmakers are objecting to some of their choices.

        Sen. Mark Mallory, D-Cincinnati, was upset that Republicans cut $280,000 from the Commission on African American Males. Another $511,000 from the Women's Policy and Research Commission wipes out that panel's entire two-year budget.

        “Obviously, those designing the budget don't understand the diversity of this state,” Mr. Mallory said. “To cut the (African American) commission, to me, is crazy. The problems we've seen in Cincinnati, at some level, may be addressed by that commission.”

        The House minority party leader, state Rep. Jack Ford, D-Toledo, said his members would gather today to protest the cuts. He had some doubts that they'd be able to change things.

        “If (Republicans) have a strong 50-vote majority on this, then there won't be much we can do,” he said.
       
       

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