Proposed Budget Fails to Address Needs of Everyday Ohioans, Attacks Funding for Public Schools, Libraries

COLUMBUS – Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) and State Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Westlake) today released the following statements concerning the substitute bill introduced Tuesday to House Bill (HB) 96, the biennial operating budget bill of the 136th General Assembly:

“The budget, as is right now, does not address the needs of everyday Ohioans and does not go far enough to bring improvements to the lives of our citizens and communities,” said Leader Russo. “Ohioans deserve a budget that benefits our children by properly funding public education, necessary programs to help our communities succeed and grow, and well overdue property tax relief we know Ohioans want. We’re not there yet. Hopefully, we can find bipartisan solutions in this budget to the problems Ohioans truly care about.”

Rep. Sweeney, ranking member on the Ohio House Finance Committee, believes Ohio is neglecting its responsibility to citizens in this current budget proposal. 

“The House Republicans’ proposed budget would cut funding for public schools, childcare, and other essential services at a time when Ohio families are already overburdened by local property taxes and the rising cost of living,” said Rep. Sweeney. “The state cannot continue to neglect its most basic responsibilities to Ohio residents while doing nothing to fix the unprecedented increase in property taxes.”

House Democrats are fighting for a budget that benefits our children, families, seniors, and Ohio’s economic future.