PLANNING STRATEGY--State Rep. Joan Lawrence, R-Galena, confers with Rep. Gary Cates, R-West Chester, during a meeting of the House Finance Committee, at the Ohio Statehouse, in Columbus, Ohio, on Dec. 17, 1997. In the center is Rep. Robert Corbin, R-Centerville,.

CRUNCHING NUMBERS--Ohio Budget Director Gregory Browing testifies before the House Finance Committee concerning school funding, at the Ohio Statehouse, in Columbus, Ohio, on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 1997.

CONCERNED ABOUT BUDGET CUTS--State Rep. Barbara Boyd, D-Cleveland Heights, gestures as she questions Budget Director Gregory Browning during a meeting of the House Finance Committee, at the Ohio Statehouse, in Columbus, Ohio, on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 1997.