(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.

Gregg Sarra sounds off on the Nassau Conference II football matchup between Calhoun at Carey, plus the comeback story of New Hyde Park's Gabriel Peter, an update on the high school fantasy football standings and the plays of the week. Credit: Randee Daddona, Gary Licker, Anthony Santino

Sarra Sounds Off, Season 3, Ep 4: Top football teams in action, fantasy update and plays of the week Gregg Sarra sounds off on the Nassau Conference II football matchup between Calhoun at Carey, plus the comeback story of New Hyde Park's Gabriel Peter, an update on the high school fantasy football standings and the plays of the week.

Gregg Sarra sounds off on the Nassau Conference II football matchup between Calhoun at Carey, plus the comeback story of New Hyde Park's Gabriel Peter, an update on the high school fantasy football standings and the plays of the week. Credit: Randee Daddona, Gary Licker, Anthony Santino

Sarra Sounds Off, Season 3, Ep 4: Top football teams in action, fantasy update and plays of the week Gregg Sarra sounds off on the Nassau Conference II football matchup between Calhoun at Carey, plus the comeback story of New Hyde Park's Gabriel Peter, an update on the high school fantasy football standings and the plays of the week.

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