On Tuesday, a six member panel known as the Ohio Budget Planning and Management Commission is scheduled to meet for the first time. It's task -- coming up with recommendations for how to close an $8 billion gap expected in the 2012-2013 budget. The current budget was balanced with $4 billion in one time money from the federal government, by raiding the tobacco fund, and by postponing a scheduled income tax cut, among other steps.
Speaking at the City Club of Cleveland Governor Strickland pointed out the cost cutting measures his administration has already taken, including reducing the state workforce by nearly eight percent.
STRICKLAND: "When you're the governor you have a constitutional obligation to balance the budget. When resources are diminished and the need increases it forces you to make tough decisions. I have made tough decisions in putting together the current budget and I will make tough decisions putting together the next budget if I remain in this office."
Strickland is facing a tough re-election challenge from former Congressman John Kasich. Kasich has gotten praise for his role as a negotiator helping balance the federal budget in 1997. As for how he would tackle Ohio's budget crisis, Kasich has said he would greatly reduce the size of state government, but has so far come out with few other specifics.