Leader Sykes statement as GOP fails to strike budget deal

Ohio House Democratic Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today issued a statement decrying Republican Statehouse leaders whose failure to come to an agreement on the state budget now threatens a state government shutdown. The Ohio Constitution requires the budget to be passed by July 1.

“In a state with one party rule, passing a budget should be easy, but for this Republican majority, petty politics always seems to get in the way of working together.

“Failing to pass a long-term budget is a dereliction of our constitutional duty and a broken promise to Ohio taxpayers. I seriously question the ability of this majority to work in good faith to pass a responsible budget.

“Though Republicans are walking away from the table, Democrats are here ready to work together to keep our promise of responsible government for Ohio taxpayers by passing a budget that invests in working people and our state’s future.”