Gov. Ted Strickland says slashing Ohio school funding appears to be the only option for filling an $850 million state budget hole by year end.

The Democrat told reporters on Monday that other programs such as libraries and mental health services have already been cut and probably can't be cut further. He says all that's left is education, including primary and secondary schools and colleges and universities.

Strickland says Republicans who have suggested schools could be spared have not identified other areas for cutting.

Ohio Senate GOP leaders say they can provide Democrats with enough votes to pass a budget bill that would suspend an income tax cut, but only if it includes changes to state construction rules. Strickland says that issue should wait.