Lack of Balanced Approach Threatens Job Creation and Economic Recovery Statement by Andrea Fejes, Coordinator of One Ohio

Now
For Immediate Release: June 28, 2011 Contact: Andrea Fejes andrea@oneohionow.org 614- 420-2027

Columbus, Ohio One Ohio Now is disappointed that the Conference Committee and our state leaders have declined to consider a balanced approach that includes revenue in solving our states shortfall. Instead, they have chosen to rely mostly on severe cuts to the very public institutions that Ohio needs for a strong economy: schools, colleges, infrastructure and local communities. From the beginning, the governor and the state legislature have acted as if the solution to this crisis was either raise taxes or make service cuts. It did not have to be an either/or choice. Service cuts could have been balanced with wise revenue investments like including in the budget a meaningful reduction or expiration of the more than $7 billion given up every year in tax expenditures. In fact, a majority of Ohio voters support a balanced approach as shown by the Ohio Poll released in March. The devastating cuts to education, local governments and human services will result in Ohioans losing jobs in both the private and public sector and endanger the states economic recovery. The budget has not even been enacted yet, but stories are already emerging about layoffs of municipal and county workers and teachers even as unemployment remains high in Ohio 321 city workers including police officers and firefighters in Cleveland affecting the safety of the city; 101 classroom teachers in Dayton City Schools resulting in larger classroom sizes; 25 Athens County Job and Family Services staff members including caseworkers, social program coordinators and investigators, hurting families stability.

Furthermore, cuts of this magnitude will set off a chain reaction of job losses: as laid-off workers reduce their purchases, the jobs of people who work in local stores or businesses are jeopardized. Community members will also feel the impacts. The cuts hit at the heart of what makes our communities great places to live and work safe neighborhoods, libraries, vibrant parks and an efficient transportation system by slashing funding to local governments. One Ohio Now urges the House and Senate to reject this budget. This is neither the time to reduce the services provided to the people of Ohio nor to increase unemployment in our state. -30One Ohio Now is a coalition of over 45 member organizations ranging from those involved in health and human services and transportation to education and labor who are advocating for a balanced approach to addressing the states budget.