Ohio House approves tech program ballot request

(AP) — The Democrat-led Ohio House has passed a bill placing renewal of the state's signature technology business development program on the May ballot.

By a vote of 85-13, the House agreed to ask voters to approve $950 million in additional bonds for the Third Frontier initiative. The program provides startup funding to businesses trying to break into industries such as advanced energy, propulsion and biomedicine.

The measure goes next to the Ohio Senate. Republicans there initially sought to slow down the measure for more deliberation. Some suggested that move was aimed at depriving Gov. Ted Strickland, a Democrat, of election-year bragging rights.

President Bill Harris has since signaled his chamber can get it moving in time for the May ballot. The program started under Republican Gov. Bob Taft.