Rep. Tims, Sen. Blackshear Call on Governor DeWine to Line-Item Veto HB 54 Over Greater Dayton RTA Concerns

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Desiree Tims (D-Dayton) and State Sen. Willis E. Blackshear Jr. (D-Dayton) today sent a letter to Governor Mike DeWine respectfully requesting he line-item veto specific provisions in House Bill (HB) 54, the Ohio Transportation Budget, that specifically targets the Greater Dayton RTA and would require it to enter into a contract with local law enforcement for safety services. The Greater Dayton RTA already contracts with local law enforcement at one of its most prominent transfer hubs.

“House Bill 54 is overwhelmingly a positive bill that invests $11.5 billion into our state infrastructure. However, I believe it can be made stronger by eliminating a small but consequential provision that will contribute to unnecessary local fiscal waste,” wrote Rep. Tims and Sen. Blackshear to Governor DeWine. “The language was included without any realistic regard to what is already occurring with the local RTA system, without any request from the local Montgomery County RTA, and without any financial support for a new contract requirement.”