Rep. Russo says budget fails to invest in working people, families and the communities they live in

COLUMBUS –Rep. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) today issued the following statement on the House passage of House Bill 110, the state’s two-year budget. House Democrats largely opposed the bill, saying it was a missed opportunity to invest in everyday Ohioans still struggling amid the health and economic crisis.

“This budget fails to invest in the economic security and stability of working people and families,” said Rep. Russo.  “While it’s laudable that we addressed fair school funding—legislation I have cosponsored for two General Assemblies—we should also be investing in child care, affordable college, local governments, clean water, and higher wages.  A $380 million tax giveaway to millionaires is fiscally irresponsible, does nothing to put more money back in the pockets of the average Ohioan, and threatens hundreds of millions of dollars in federal aid.  I want Ohio’s families and communities to thrive—sadly, this budget falls far short of ensuring that.”

Democrats also noted that the Republican-backed $380 million tax giveaway that largely benefits the wealthiest Ohioans could threaten hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding under the American Rescue Plan.

Democrats offered a number of amendments on the House floor Wednesday, including measures that would:

Put more money back in the pockets of working people by making the earned income tax credit partially refundable and investing in local governments and public libraries;
Increase access to publicly funded childcare to allow more Ohioans to get back to work;
Prioritize coronavirus relief, including investments in public health, rental assistance and waiving unemployment benefit overpayments made to Ohioans during the pandemic.
Restore Republican cuts to H2Ohio funding to invest in clean water infrastructure.
Raise wages for home health care workers and allow them to collectively bargain for better wages and benefits.   
Invest in programs to make college more affordable to lower-income Ohioans.
Invest in maternal health and morbidity data reporting to improve health outcomes.
Increase funding for AIDS prevention services at Ohio Planned Parenthood and removes funding from crisis pregnancy centers. 
 

Republicans rejected each amendment.

After passing the House, the bill moves to the Senate for consideration.