Bill to merge UT and MUO edging closer

3/15/2006
BLADE COLUMBUS BUREAU

COLUMBUS - A bill approving the proposed merger of the University of Toledo and the Medical University of Ohio is expected to complete its rapid journey to Gov. Bob Taft's desk today.

The Senate Finance Committee voted unanimously yesterday to approve the measure creating a united institution with a $650 million annual budget and 21,000 students. The full Senate is expected to welcome it just as warmly.

The merger is set to take place July 1, but it would not be truly complete until the newly merged board of trustees is whittled from 17 members to nine by July 2, 2014.