COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio lawmakers are returning to Columbus with the next state budget high on their to-do lists.

Today marks opening day of the two-year legislative session.

Gov. John Kasich will make his budget pitch next month to the General Assembly — which his fellow Republicans control.

The GOP has retained its grip on both the House and Senate.

Republicans will continue to hold 23 of 33 seats in the Senate. The party deepened its majority in the House after the November election, winning a record 65 seats in the 99-member chamber.

House members will see new leadership.

Republican Rep. Cliff Rosenberger, of Clarksville in southwest Ohio, is slated to replace House Speaker William Batchelder.

Term limits forced the Medina Republican to retire last month.