Ballot issues being considered for 2006

(AP) — A review of issues being considered for the November 2006 ballot:

• Limit spending to the rates of inflation and population growth combined, or 3.5 percent a year, whichever was greater, and require voter approval of tax increases. Status: certified for ballot.

• Cap state revenue at 5.5 percent of the total business and personal income earned in the state. Any revenue beyond that amount would go into a rainy day fund and another fund that ease Ohioans' state tax bills. Status: language to be determined.

• Require proprietors of public places or workplaces to ban smoking in enclosed spaces. Status: ready to go to Legislature in January.

• Raise the state minimum wage — it's been at $4.25 an hour since 1991 — to $6.85. Status: collecting signatures to qualify for ballot.

• Require the state's 612 school districts to spend at least 65 percent of their operating budgets on instructional expenditures. Status: language to be determined.

• A single ballot issue to allow casino gambling in Ohio, rather than competing plans. Status: in negotiations.

SOURCE: AP Research