Budish and his new leadership team held their first news conference yesterday, two weeks after Democrats took control of the House for the first time in 14 years by picking up at least five seats. He and his team, including Rep. Tracy Heard, D-Columbus, officially take over in January.

"I must say I'm not used to this," Budish, D-Beachwood, said as he looked over a full hearing room, including a number of reporters.

Pressed for specifics about this economic-development plans, Budish said lawmakers need to do more to "create ways for businesses to thrive," including work-force development.

"There are a number of targeted tax credits and incentives we can be doing," he said. "Other states are very active in job creation and there's a lot we can learn."

He also made it clear that Ohio's big cities, which he and other Democrats say have been neglected in the past dozen-plus years of Republican Statehouse rule, will get more attention. Budish said he expects to create a committee focused on urban revitalization.

"We can do a lot more in our cities than has been done in the past," said Budish, Ohio's first Cleveland-area speaker in 70 years.

Budish will take over in the midst of turbulent budgetary times, leading a caucus where only five members have served in the majority. He said he plans to lean on those experienced members, such as Rep. Vernon Sykes, D-Akron, who is likely to become chairman of the powerful Finance Committee.

Asked how a Democrat-controlled House would differ from the current GOP-run body, Budish talked of working with the minority. "We will do our best to reach out to Republicans across the aisle," he said.

On Strickland's education-reform plan next year: "The governor over the last two years has shown an ability to find ways to invest in Ohio without new taxes. I am optimistic we would be able to come up with a solution to school funding while still living within our means."

On taxes: "I have no intention at this point to raise taxes, fees or otherwise."

Other members of the Democratic leadership team are Rep. Matt Szollosi of Oregon, Rep. Jay P. Goyal of Mansfield, Rep. Jennifer Garrison of Marietta and Rep. Alan R. Sayre of Dover.

jsiegel@dispatch.com