Rep. Denson calls on governor to veto several budget provisions that will hurt Ohioans

COLUMBUS—In a memo* Wednesday, Rep. Sedrick Denson (D-Cincinnati) called on Gov. DeWine to veto several state budget provisions he says fail to meet the expectations of Ohioans as the state begins to emerge and build back from the pandemic. 

“This budget simply leaves too many Ohioans behind. There are several provisions that squander the opportunity to create an equitable budget, one that is a driving force of recovery for all of us, not just some. They should be vetoed,” said Rep. Denson.  

He urges vetoes of the following key provisions:

·         The $1.8 billion tax giveaway benefitting the wealthiest Ohioans at the expense of needed investments to benefit working families, unemployed Ohioans and small businesses still struggling as we begin to emerge from the pandemic.

·         Language that allows the House Speaker and Senate President to intervene in congressional redistricting lawsuits.

·         Prohibition on the secretary of state and local elections boards from working with individuals and organizations on GOTV and voter education programs.

·         Provision allowing health care providers to decline to perform services that violates personal beliefs, which will harm LGBTQ Ohioans and minorities.

·         Attacks on surgical abortion facilities and funding for anti-choice crisis pregnancy centers.

·         Imposes deadline to disenroll some 3 million Ohioans from Medicaid rolls after the expiration of the federal coronavirus emergency is lifted.

·         Facilitates oil and gas drilling in state parks.

·         Expansion of EdChoice vouchers that hurt Ohio’s public schools.

*A copy of the complete list of requested vetoes is attached.