OCSEA to testify during extended budget term

July 2, 2009 - OCSEA leaders will testify next week in front of the House Finance Committee regarding what would happen if appropriate measures are not taken to fill a budget gap that has widened to $3.2 billion.

Last month, Gov. Ted Strickland proposed a budget framework that would cut $2.4 billion from state agencies combined with allowing slot machines at Ohio’s racetracks in order to close the gap. But the Senate isn’t keen on the governor’s framework, specifically the gambling proposal.

But since neither the governor nor the house or senate leadership are proposing new revenue, critics fear a Senate version of the budget would cut state agencies even closer to the bone.

Media outlets are reporting that this is one of the most contentious biennium budgets in recent memory.

The House voted Wednesday for a second one-week budget extension that would expire after July 14, and now the Senate and House have called for further budget hearings. The Senate will hold hearings on the slot machine proposal and the House will hear from some agency directors and constituent groups like OCSEA.

OCSEA will offer testimony about what would happen at the agency level if the Senate orders additional cuts on top of those the governor is offering.

While the cuts already being suggested by the governor would be devastating to state services and state employees, additional cuts to his proposal would be even worse.

That’s why OCSEA will be testifying next week and why OCSEA supports lawmakers coming up with enhanced revenue sources that don’t hurt the middle class. For example, rolling back some of the tax cuts given to businesses and top income earners under the Taft administration could raise more than $800 million a year.

OCSEA activists should continue to contact their legislators and let them know they can’t cut state services as described. Their job depends on it.

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