Overview
- The General Assembly convened Tuesday to begin writing a new two-year state budget estimated at about $15 billion.
- Senate Democrats cited forecasting groups that project a $156 million gap, linking pressure to federal program cuts and prior state income tax reductions.
- Senate President Robert Stivers rejected talk of a crisis and projected robust growth in receipts despite tax cuts.
- House Majority Whip Jason Nemes downplayed the reported shortfall, saying revenues and the state economy remain strong.
- Both parties flagged housing and childcare as immediate targets for action, with broader debates expected on Medicaid funding as the 60‑day session runs to April 15.