By Jordan Gentile
Enquirer Columbus Bureau

COLUMBUS - A reform bill meant to help protect mentally retarded Ohioans from abuse and neglect appears to be caught up in a power struggle between state lawmakers and the governor.

Last week, Gov. Bob Taft vetoed a bill intended to help convict people who harm mentally retarded adults and children in their care. Taft said he did so because the bill also would let lawmakers stall his plan to close two state-run institutions.

Taft says he wants to work with the General Assembly on a new bill next year, but some lawmakers are looking to override his veto.

Rep. Mike Gilb, R-Findlay, chairman of the Juvenile and Family Law Committee that debated the bill, said a clear majority of House Republicans support passing the bill into law despite Taft's veto.

"This is a very good piece of legislation that would protect our most vulnerable citizens," Gilb said.

The bill was originally intended to make sweeping changes to state laws and help convict abusers. Included were reforms that toughened criminal background checks for prospective care workers and allowed courts to accept victims' videotaped testimonies. Another proposal would have prohibited workers from having any sexual contact with people in their care.

Taft said he supports those reforms. He balked at a measure lawmakers later added that would delay the closing of any state institution for the mentally retarded until a legislative study is completed.

The new measure was tacked on after Taft ordered centers for the developmentally disabled in Springfield and Apple Creek to be closed this year to help balance the budget.

Monty Blanton, president of a union of state employees who work with the mentally retarded, said the two centers handle the most severely disabled cases.

"It was an irresponsible act," Blanton said. "He's taken a choice away from (mentally retarded people) who may have needed what we provided at these facilities."

But Taft's supporters say the new measure was a blatant attempt by lawmakers to protect government jobs in their districts.

"It's purely political," said Tom Eamoe, director of the Hamilton County Arc, an advocacy group for the mentally retarded. The study was tacked on to this bill, he said, because it would never pass on its own. "For them to attach this, it's very unfortunate, to say the least."

It's not clear if there is enough support for the special three-fifths majority votes needed in the House and Senate to override the veto.