Speaker Batchelder, Chairman Amstutz Release Statements on Governor's Budget Vetoes

With today’s signing of Am. Sub. H.B. 59 and Governor Kasich’s vetoes of line items in the budget, Speaker of the Ohio House William G. Batchelder released the following statement:

“We applaud Governor Kasich’s bold vision throughout the entire budget process. I enjoyed working with him and his team since he unveiled his budget to the House in February. The House and the Senate built upon and strengthened many of the governor’s proposals over the last several months of thorough public discussion. While we are disappointed in some of the vetoes that were issued today, the House Republican Caucus remains committed to ensuring a better life for all Ohioans.

“Particularly on the issue of Medicaid, House Republicans have been working to build upon the reforms that were enacted as part of the passage of the last budget. We have a responsibility as elected officials to improve the quality of life for all Ohioans while at the same time ensuring that we are continuing to be good stewards of public dollars. This is a task that I believe we can accomplish in the coming months through further reforms in our state’s health care system, and I look forward to working with all interested parties, both public and private, in accomplishing both of these goals.”

Chairman of the House Finance and Appropriations Committee Ron Amstutz (R-Wooster) released the following statement:

"While I share Speaker Batchelder's concerns with many of these vetoes, I know that we share Governor Kasich's passion for helping Ohio grow stronger and healthier. We will work with every member in the House and Senate willing to commit to calling all private and public hands on deck as soon as possible, for the decade or more that will be required to complete the turnaround for every struggling mom, dad, child and adult who can be helped to a better place."