State
Representative Jim Buchy
Reviewing
State Budget to Maintain Ohio’s Momentum
Governor
Kasich recently proposed his Mid-Biennial Budget Review, or MBR,
which gives lawmakers a second look at the budget that was passed
last year and allows us to determine where improvements can be made.
Because of the vast size of the bill—surpassing 1,600 pages—the
House rightfully decided to break it down into smaller components so
that each separate issue can receive appropriate level of oversight
and review.
Among
the most important aspects of the governor’s plan is looking for
ways to further reduce the burden on Ohio taxpayers, making it easier
for families to meet their needs and freeing up more money for small
business owners to create more jobs and expand their operations.
Under
Governor Kasich’s leadership and a continued commitment by the
state legislature, we have been able to cut taxes for Ohioans,
including the passage of last year’s state operating budget, which
contained the largest year-to-year tax cut in the country. This has
all happened while balancing the budget every year and adding to the
state’s emergency reserve fund. Most important to Ohio’s economic
recovery is the creation of about 238,000 private sector jobs since
January 2011—fifth in the nation and tops in the Midwest during
that time period.
I
believe that individuals are the best stewards of their money, and
making it possible to keep more of it in their pockets leads to
economic development, more jobs and stronger families. Although we
are only required to pass a budget once every two years, being able
to review it every other year only enhances our ability to work
toward a system that makes Ohio more competitive to business owners
and more attractive to people looking to raise a family.
The
MBR also addresses critical issues related to education, agriculture,
veterans and mental health and drug addiction. This is all the more
reason to break the plan up into several smaller pieces and assign
them to their corresponding committees.
As
the House and Senate continue working toward implementing these
reforms, I will do my best to keep the people of Darke, Auglaize,
Mercer and Shelby counties informed. As always, I want to hear from
the people of the district about the issues that you are most
passionate about. Please share your ideas and concerns.
Please
stay in touch and provide your input on the issues of the day by
taking my legislative survey at tinyurl.com/buchyapril2014
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