State budget crisis on horizon; Union prepares activists

Feb. 22, 2007 - With the budget coming out in less than a month on March 15, OCSEA activists are fast making efforts to  preserve their agency’s funding streams and keep pubic services intact.
Although many union members and leaders have hoped for a less bloody budget battle this time, several factors are weighing against supporters of government service.

First, the General Assembly will likely remain a serious obstacle, given the polarizing political climate and the recent swipes by the speaker and Senate President against the new governor.

Second, tax changes enacted in 2004 are significantly reducing the state’s bottom line revenue figures. Estimates are showing shortfalls of as much as a billion and a half dollars this budget season.

And, it could get worse over the next four years. According to a study by the new tax commissioner’s old firm, Levin, Driscoll and Fleeter, these tax overhauls could reduce the budget by $3.6 billion by 2010.

On top of this, the governor’s promise to do something about the way education is funded could also shift resources away from other vital services.

Some OCSEA activists, too, were surprised by the outcome of the transition teams when it came to discussing agency budgets and revenue. In some agencies, the concerns of private providers or contractors seemed paramount. At least one agency’s team recommended payroll reductions.

Most union leaders agree that it’s going to be an uphill battle this budget season. But some subordinate bodies, like the ODNR Assembly, started planning for an anticipated tough budget over a year ago. ODNR activists joined forces with 20 other organizations to form a stakeholders group that began developing a plan to hold a legislative summit.

The event, similar to one OCSEA hosted for MR/DD two years ago, featured a national speaker who talked about how states have found creative ways to fund their state parks. Over 50 legislators or their aides attended.

Other union activists are meeting with legislators, touring facilities, talking to coalition partners or holding receptions for elected leaders. Leaders will also be attending a budget training.  

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