Ohio Democratic leaders reacted to news of budget shortfalls and economic turmoil by calling for bipartisanship and innovative solutions as Ohioans deal with the anticipated instability.

Gov. Ted Strickland said Monday that the 2009 Ohio budget faces a $640 million shortfall due to the national recession. He also said the next

biennial budget covering 2010 and 2011 will have a deficit between $4 and $7 billion. 

Ohio House Democratic Leader Joyce Beatty (D-Columbus) said that the math does not appear to add up well for Ohio.

"The national recession has affected Ohio's economy in historic ways," Beatty said. "However, I still have a lot of confidence and faith in Governor Strickland and our legislative leadership, and I am pleased the Governor is asking for federal assistance." 

Beatty called for bipartisan solutions to the economic problems.

 "To conquer these challenges, we must act - more than ever - by working together, forging bipartisan partnerships and finding creative solutions that will guide Ohio to brighter and more prosperous days," Beatty said. 

Speaker-Elect Armond Budish (D-Beachwood), who will replace Beatty as leader of the Ohio House Democratic Caucus, echoed her call for bipartisanship.

"We all need to come together - Democrats and Republicans in the legislature, working with the Governor and our Congressional delegation in the spirit of bipartisanship - to meet these tough challenges," Budish said. "Our hard-working families are depending on us to lead the state through this recession, and we must answer that call." 

Budish said that Ohioans have been hurting.

"Hundreds of thousands of people have seen their jobs disappear; many more are having trouble making ends meet," Budish said. "So it's no surprise that the state is facing a budget crisis of historic proportions." 

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Lorain) agreed that Ohioans have been hurting for a while. He reacted to the announcement from the National Bureau of Economic Research on Monday that said the U.S. economy has been in recession since December 2007.

"Today's announcement confirms what Ohio families have known for several years," Brown said. "Wrong-headed economic policies have resulted in job losses, stagnant wages, and rising costs for middle class families. We must pass a stimulus package that creates good-paying jobs and provides relief to millions of American workers. Swift action will prevent this recession from devastating more Ohio families."