From Madison to Columbus........

[marmar]

By KRIS MAHER And AMY MERRICK


Ohio state senators narrowly approved a bill that would prohibit public-employee unions representing 400,000 state employees from bargaining over health benefits, pensions and working conditions.

While national attention has focused for weeks on a similar battle in Wisconsin, the vote, by 17-16 in Ohio's Republican-controlled Senate, virtually ensured that the Buckeye State will become the first to strip collective bargaining rights from public employees as a means of grappling with gaping budget deficits.

The bill now goes to the House, where the Republicans have a 59-40 majority. If approved, as expected, it will move for signature to Republican Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who supports the bill.

Mr. Kasich believes it would help local governments control labor costs, spokesman Rob Nichols said. ............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704005404576176812441615134.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

[OHdem10]

1. Republicans are winning battles and losing the war. Now if the

Democrats can get their act together.........