The iOpener: State Lawmakers Pass Interim Budget as Stalemate Continues

Good morning, iOpeners. It's Monday, July 1, 2019.

Ohio’s government operations are running on a 17-day budget extension, after state lawmakers failed to reach agreement on a two-year budget by the midnight deadline. The House of Representatives approved the Senate’s interim budget by a 90-2 vote on Sunday night, after it became clear that legislators needed more time. Gov. DeWine signed the interim budget and a 30-day budget extension for the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, which legislators also failed to approve on time.    

Republicans, who lead both chambers, showed signs of frustration during the negotiations. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Matt Dolan (R-Chagrin Falls) said on the Senate floor on Saturday that “there was a cloud hanging over the whole process” because the House did not provide versions of the budget from which to start drafting amendments until far too late in the process. House Speaker Larry Householder (R-Glenford) fired back, calling Dolan’s comments “a bizarre contrived excuse for continual procrastination.”  

The latest plan to revive Shaker Square includes rerouting traffic around the perimeter of the five-acre space, a central plaza for the Farmers Market and other events as well as a splash pad for children. Planners unveiled their latest concept Sunday. 

The Vindicator, Youngstown and Mahoning County’s only daily newspaper, is ceasing publication at the end of August. In a letter to readers published late Friday, two members of the family that own the newspaper said they failed to find a buyer for the struggling newspaper after a year’s search. An estimated 144 employees and 250 carriers will lose their jobs after the last edition is published on Saturday, Aug. 31. 

The Indians shut out the Baltimore Orioles, 2-0 to avert a three-game sweep by the worst team in the American League. The Indians had been shut out in their last two games against Baltimore, giving up 13 runs over the two games. Shane Bieber continued his dominance of the Orioles, allowing three hits and striking out 11 over eight innings. The righty hasn’t allowed any runs in 17 career innings against Baltimore. Carlos Santana drove in two runs. 

Weather forecast: Sunny, high 86.  Tonight, partly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers developing after 11 p.m. Low 75.  Tomorrow, a 50 percent chance of thunderstorms before 11 a.m. Partly sunny, high 84.