Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland says the economy could make it difficult to provide an overall increase in funding for schools under his upcoming education plan.

A story from the AP says, Strickland also says it's likely his plan will be part of the two-year budget he'll present to lawmakers early next year as opposed to a separate piece of legislation.

Strickland says his plan will include classroom changes and a fix of the state's current school-funding system.

He says he'll take the proposal to the ballot if lawmakers don't approve it.

Strickland says he's hoping his long-awaited proposal will provide a net increase in money for schools but says the current economy will make that hard.