EXTRA: State budget; Election cost; Stimulus rejection

HOUSE DEMOCRATS TARGET MORE FEDERAL FUNDS:

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Ohio House Democrats plan to boost spending on state programs by using a more optimistic revenue forecast and drawing more federal money than the governor has proposed in his budget plan.

The revision of Gov. Ted Strickland's proposal scheduled to be released today increases spending on nursing homes, hospitals and food banks. It also spends additional money to make sure the secretary of state's office quickly handles business filings.

To pay for the increases and new programs, Democrats use a revenue forecast that projects about $186 million more over the next two years than the forecast used by Strickland. They also make adjustments to get the state more federal money, such as spending $30 million more on nursing homes to bring $80 million more in federal money.

BALLOT ISSUE TO COST CITY AS MUCH AS $8K:

The only three government entities with issues or races on the May 5 primary ballot will split the cost of the election, which could top $21,000.

Because there are no contested party primaries for Marietta City Council seats, the repeal of a ballot issue prohibiting Marietta from spending city monies to build, lease or furnish a new Municipal Court is the only reason for city voters to cast a ballot on May 5. That means the city will share the cost of the election with Belpre and the Warren Local School District.

Belpre will have a Democratic primary for the 3rd Ward council seat and a Republican primary for auditor, with the winner facing no Democratic competition in November. Warren is seeking a renewal of a five-year, 6.29-mill emergency levy.

While some legal experts have said City Council could take other steps to remove the existing ballot initiative without a special election, Councilman David White, R-1st Ward, said today he did not want to circumvent the voters.

OHIO COUNTY REJECTS SOME STIMULUS MONEY:

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - One of the fastest-growing counties in Ohio has rejected parts of President Barack Obama's economic stimulus package.

Warren County is a staunchly Republican county northeast of Cincinnati. Commissioners have refused $373,000 in stimulus money to buy three new transit buses and make other improvements to the fleet, citing philosophical objections to the spending.

The Ohio Department of Transportation says it's the only rejection the agency is aware of.

Warren County also wants to return $1.8 million in stimulus funding for replacing windows and roofs on government buildings to make them more energy efficient.

Commissioner David Young says the county won't spend stimulus money on things it doesn't need.

The county has allowed the sheriff's office to apply for funds.