Ohio

The Democratic-led Ohio House is likely to vote as early as today on legislation that would enact Gov. Ted ­Strickland’s proposal to freeze planned income-tax cuts to help balance the budget.

CHICAGO — Moody’s Investors Service downgraded Akron’s general obligation and income-tax backed debt as the Ohio city struggles with a budget deficit and heads into what is expected to be a tough 2010.

CHICAGO — The Ohio Water Development Authority tomorrow will begin taking retail orders on $225 million of triple-A rated refunding revenue bonds as part of its water pollution control loan fund program.

Two Republican state representatives and the Ohio Christian Alliance have filed a lawsuit with the Ohio Supreme Court challenging Gov. Ted Strickland’s executive order allowing slot machines at race tracks.