The Associated Press

COLUMBUS - House Republicans on Tuesday bucked fellow Republican Gov. Bob Taft a second time, agreeing with Senate colleagues to balance the state budget without taxes.

The GOP-controlled House voted 52-44 to close a $720 million deficit by tapping surplus funds, speeding up the collection of sales taxes and cuts to local governments.

The vote by the House, which approved a similar plan Feb. 12, agreed with changes made to the budget bill by the Senate last week.

Both chambers have rejected proposals to raise taxes on alcohol and cigarettes or enact a temporary sales tax to balance the budget.

Taft has said he'll have to cut $162 million from schools, universities, programs for the elderly and economic development initiatives without the taxes.

The $720 million deficit is about 1.6 percent of Ohio's $44 billion budget.

The bill goes now to Taft, who will act as quickly as next week.