About 55,000 Ohioans among the long-term unemployed are expected to lose jobless benefits soon because of the end of federally funded aid initiated several years ago.

Two longtime Republicans from Ohio are talking about the so-called fiscal cliff. That's a package of tax increases and spending cuts that will take effect if Congress doesn't act.

Former U.S. Senator George Voinovich says he SUPPORTS tax increases on the wealthy.

But Voinovich, who was governor of the Buckeye State in the 90s, says his willingness to compromise comes with strings attached.

“I think amen and hallelujah. I mean, there’s no question about the fact that we’re going to have to have more revenue, and most of the people that I’ve talked to have said I’ll pay more taxes if you can guarantee me that we’re going to finally do what we’re supposed to do in order to get our fiscal house in order," says Voinovich.

Ohio’s official unemployment has dropped once again and it now at 6.9%.  The October rate represents a drop of only two-tenths of 1% compared to the revised rate in September.

Still, it means Ohio now has its lowest jobless rate in more than four years.  You have to go back to August of 2008 to find a jobless rate in the same 6% range. 

During the latest recession, Ohio's official unemployment rate peaked at 10.6% during the last half of 2009.  Since then it's gradually but steadily been moving downward.  That trend has been sited as a major reason President Barack Obama won Ohio in his re-election bid and won the nation-wide election.