Rep. Miller: Budget a mixed bag, but delivers some wins for working people

COLUMBUS—Rep. Joe Miller (D-Amherst) issued a statement Tuesday following the passage of the state budget, House Bill 110, which included provisions that phase out Academic Distress Commissions in order to restore local control and the Fair School Funding Plan, an improved public school funding formula that better addresses the needs of Ohio students, teachers and communities. The budget also included provisions that allow for veterans’ charitable gambling, as well as $250 million for broadband development in underserved areas.

“I am pleased to see that the three school districts under academic distress in Ohio will finally have an opportunity to implement their own improvement plans and return control of their schools to their communities.  Many of us have long-supported the Fair School Funding Plan, a constitutional school funding formula that supports rather than penalizes children and their schools,” said Rep. Miller. 

“Additionally, I have listened to my constituents, from those who have expressed the need for wider broadband access, to our local veterans and fraternal organizations who rely on charitable gambling as part of their daily operations. I support these efforts, along with investment in public education; and I stand with our veterans, school board members, teachers, parents, students  and everyday working-class Ohioans. While there were many aspects of the budget that I did not agree with, I ultimately voted yes, primarily in favor of the essential quality education funding that our children deserve. Despite what the Republican-controlled Legislature has constructed of this budget, my focus will always be on improving public education and the lives of our nation’s veterans. I now look to the Governor to strike out the repulsive pieces, such as ‘The Conscience Clause,” Rep. Miller added. 

Democrats indicated they will send to the governor a list of requested budget line-item vetoes to address a number of their concerns.