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The Governor's Budget Proposal
As Governor Kasich introduced his proposal for the
two-year state budget yesterday, there was great
anticipation about how he would address the large
deficit. It is a challenging time for the state
with an $8 billion budget shortfall and a still
uncertain economic outlook. The Administration,
Legislature, and advocates from areas impacted by the
budget will now begin discussions and negotiations to
come up with a budget for approval by June 30.
An
initial review of the Governor's proposed budget, entitled
"The Jobs Budget," reveals significant reduction
of local government funding to reduce spending. This
has the potential for reducing community services while
increasing both local taxes and job layoffs.
The
budget also proposes to privatize five prisons and keeps
in place the last of five cuts to achieve a 21 percent
total reduction in the state income tax authorized by HB
66 in 2005.
Analysis
of the Governor's budget proposal has just begun and
attention must be paid to the details so that Ohio's most
vulnerable citizens are protected. Visit the
Office of Budget and Management to view the
executive budget and supporting information.
An objective assessment of
the implications of the proposed budget is needed.
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