Voters approve 86 of 146 Ohio school tax measures

CLEVELAND (AP) - Financially hard-hit school districts in Ohio have received a mixed response from voters wary of higher taxes amid an uncertain economy.

In voting Tuesday, 86 of 146 school tax measures were approved, or 59 percent. Some districts whose tax issues were rejected by voters now must look to further cuts, such as eliminating jobs or programs.

The voting was the first big test of sentiment as Ohio considers a proposed state education budget with slight increases in aid.

Critics say the plan would cut overall funding by $3.1 billion over two years due to the loss of federal aid and tax policy changes.