|
|
 |
|
The
views expressed
on this page are soley those of the author and do not
necessarily
represent the views of County News Online
|
 |
State Representative Jim Buchy
The Budget
Process Approaches the Finish Line
With the Senate wrapping up their work on the budget, we are now
looking at the differences between their version and the House’s
version. I’ve spent the last month meeting with over half of Ohio’s
Senators to discuss the provisions in the budget that I feel are most
important to helping Ohioan’s succeed.
In each of those meetings, I was pleased to know that the public
servants in the Senate were heading in a direction of long-term
sustainability for Ohio, the same goal we strive for in the House. On
many occasions during the course of these meetings, Senators
volunteered their support for the House’s efforts to reduce taxes and
still provide adequate funding for our state agencies and schools.
The bipartisan, economically sound version of the budget that was
passed by the House is good for Ohio. With over $1.2 billion in tax
relief to Ohioans over the next two years and an across-the-board
income tax reduction of 6.3 percent for Ohioans, we can see the kinds
of tax cuts needed to put more in wallets and see some real positive
change.
Of course, even with all the matters both sides agree upon, budget
deliberations will be difficult as we settle on the final funding
levels and finish the process. The budget represents the road map for
state spending for the next two fiscal years, so these decisions have a
lasting impact. At stake is our responsibly to the taxpayers of Ohio to
operate on a balanced budget.
The biggest challenge ahead of us in this process is determining what
we can expect in revenue over the course of the next two years. We are
budgeting based on projected revenue dollars, and if we budget for more
than what actually comes in, we will have trouble paying the bills.
Relying on economic reality is crucial at this point.
We have a situation where there are differing opinions on what we can
expect to see in revenue in the coming two years, which is providing a
sticking point for exactly how we should be utilizing our funds. Ohio’s
constitution requires a balanced budget be passed every two
years. I have no doubt that both chambers will be able to get
this completed and produce a budget that Ohio can be proud of, if we
work together. No matter what, lowering taxes while still
operating an effective, responsible state government should be a top
priority.
Please give me your opinion on this topic and others in the news this
month by completing an online survey at tinyurl.com/buchyjune2015
|
|
|
|
