Ohio colleges and universities could face cuts exceeding $309 million statewide in fiscal year 2010 if the General Assembly fails to resolve a budget shortfall by Dec. 31, according to the state’s top higher education official.

The Democratic-controlled Ohio House of Representatives approved Gov. Ted Strickland’s proposal to close an $851 million budget shortfall by delaying this year’s 4.2 percent reduction in the state income tax. However, the Republican-controlled Ohio Senate has not voted on that proposal.

The option to freeze income tax rates at the 2008 level is unavailable after Dec. 31.

“Should a budget solution not pass by Dec. 31, Gov. Strickland believes he is required by law to begin making reductions in state support to primary and secondary education by Jan. 1, 2010,” said Eric D. Fingerhut, chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents.