Sykes statement on passage of state budget
Ohio House Democratic Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today issued a statement following the passage of the state budget, House Bill 166. The vote follows more than two weeks of Republican dysfunction and gridlock, which forced lawmakers to pass a short-term funding extension before finally compromising on a long-term deal late Tuesday. Sykes also sent a letter* to Governor DeWine on behalf of House Democrats urging him to veto several provisions in the bill they believe are not in the best interest of everyday Ohioans.
“This budget was not the bill we passed out of the House—far from it. That bill was a responsible, bipartisan blueprint for the future, one that invested in working people and families, restored tax fairness and began to renew Ohio’s promise by strengthening our economy and growing jobs.
“Though a number of our commonsense Democratic priorities remained in the bill, the fact remains that this compromise bill does not go far enough to make up for a decade of Republican cuts and lackluster job growth—and that is reflected in today’s split vote.
“Republicans held taxpayers hostage for weeks, only to deliver a final product that fails to build on the wins for working people and families we saw in the House-passed version of the budget. Democrats are committed to working together as we move forward to invest in our future and give every Ohioan the tools they need to succeed.”