Last Gasp Futility or Keeping Hope Alive for Ohio Biennial Budget

HungerNetOhio #6.9:Last Gasp Futility or Keeping Hope Alive

Email conversations about "ending hunger in Ohio through changing conditions which cause poverty"ON July 6, 2009

TO Advocates for reducing hunger

FROM Hunger Network in Ohio

ABOUT Extended Legislative Leverage

Baffled about what's going on at the Statehouse these days? You're not alone. Maybe a football analogy will help clear up some confusion. In a seldom used play for passing a biennial budget as time ran out at the end of the fiscal year last Tuesday, both teams punted. Legislators, unable to agree on the Governor's last minute gamble, requested an extension to what has become both a partisan and philosophical contest over the next two years of critical public services in Ohio. The governor yielded ground, agreeing to an extra quarter in the form of a one week grace period for completing the gamesmanship-if not the game--by next Tuesday. Quickly queasy about whether they had given themselves enough time, the House has pressed for another week, ending on July 14th. But who knows how long will be required and what will be the final score?

The main contention is about how, with a projected deficit of $3.2 Billion, to balance the budget (which is constitutionally mandated, although ways around strict compliance are being contemplated). How much and what programs will be cut AND/OR what and how much revenues added?

The Governor seemed to be confidence, with seconds on the clock, he had kicked a winning field goal by offered his approach for scaling back $2.3 of the gap by decimating services to huge and vulnerable populations of Ohioans. He then filled in the remaining gaping whole with $933 million in new money from an unlikely, contradictory (with his previous pronouncements), and thoroughly arguable source--video slot machines at race tracks.

So after this past holiday weekend of celebrating the wonders of democracy, many Ohioans will be at risk of being denied the assurance of human justice. At stake--and in the hands of public official--is the threat of depriving life's essentials to the neediest. These include food (funding for pantries) and health care (physical and mental medical coverage). Additionally, gutting county Jobs and Family services could occur as exponential unemployment claims and drastic reductions for schools, including special education, and libraries. Further shaving these and countless other pivotal services would deny necessities, especially to persons in poverty. Perhaps not experiencing "sudden death," many will be gradually (and severely) injured by these actions and inactions.

Two pivotal legislative committees meeting this week will likely shape the ultimate course the State will choose. One in the Senate will ruminate over the notion of gambling as a revenue source and the other, the House Finance Committee, will weigh how to cut almost a billion dollars deeper in case the Senate rejects the Governor's proposal.

We've no guarantees for changing the outcome, only stated willingness of all three governmental entities, with additional public scrutiny and input, to re-negotiate.

SHORT CUT:For those who insist, "JUST TELL ME WHAT TO DO!"

CONTACT (CALL, EMAIL, VISIT, OR TESTIFY BEFORE) THE SENATE COMMITTEE CONSIDERING GRANTING RACE TRACKS PERMISSION TO USE “VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS” TO EXPRESS YOUR CONVICTIONS ABOUT THIS METHOD FOR PATCHING A HUGH CRACK IN GOVERNMENT FINANCES.

AND/OR

CONTACT (CALL, EMAIL, VISIT, OR TESTIFY BEFORE*) THE HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE TO EXPRESS YOUR CONVICTIONS THE IMPACT OF BUDGET CUTS ON PUBLIC SERVICES. AGAIN, ASK FOR FULLY FUNDING THE OHIO ASSOCIATION OF SECOND HARVEST FOODBANKS AT $17 MILLION PER YEAR, $34 MILLION OVER THE BIENNIAL, SERVICES 1.8 MILLION CHILDREN, SENIORS AND INDIVIDUALS, THE POOREST AMONG US, WHO DESPERATELY NEED THESE SERVICES IN ORDER TO SURVIVE. CONTINUE TO WARN THEM THAT CUTS TO COUNTY DEPARTMENTS OF JOBS AND FAMILY SERVICES WILL CRIPPLE INTAKE AND MAINTENANCE FOR AN INCREASING NUMBER OF OHIOIANS REQUIRING ESSENTIAL SERVICES.

REQUEST ATTENTION TO OTHER VITAL SERVICES FOR WHICH YOU HAVE A SPECIAL AFFINITY AND WHICH IMPACTS THE MOST VULNERABLE OHIOANS-PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH CARE, EDUCATION, CHILDREN'S SERVICES, ELDERLY SUPPORT, ETC.

PERSIST IN URGING THEM TO RECONSIDER OTHER SOURCES OF REVENUES. ARGUE THAT OHIO'S LOOMING BUDGET SHORTFALL IS TOO BIG TO ADDRESS BY CUTTING THESE AND OTHER VITAL PUBLIC SERVICES ALONE NOT TO EXPLORE TAXES REDUCTIONS, FREEZES, DELAYS, AND SELECTIVE INCREASES. REMIND THEM OF THE JEOPARDY OF TRANSPORTATION RESTRICTIONS, VITAL LIBRARY PROGRAMS, SECURITY CONCERNS RELATED TO PRISON CLOSING, AND MANY MORE PROGRAMS THAT WILL BE IMPACTED.

CONTACT YOUR OWN SENATOR AND HOUSE MEMBER TO BE SURE THAT YOUR OPINION HAS BEEN FULLY AND WIDELY HEARD.LONG SUIT:

For those who plead, "GIVE ME MORE DETAILS"

We abbreviate and blend here thoughts from Jon Honeck, a fellow in public policy at the Center for Community Solutions in Cleveland, who covered the field succinctly at the end of the week (see “Time for straight talk on the state budget”)

Ohio legislators are faced with one of the most difficult state budget problems in memory as revenues fall but the need for government services grows while more Ohioans lose their jobs and ability to meet basic needs. In response, we are following a pattern of previous decisions to make deep cuts in state taxes regardless of the need for public services.

State leaders have in previous recessions cut spending first, and then found ways to raise revenue. Each of the past five agreed to some kind of tax increase when the cuts simply could not continue.

The real story for House Bill 1, the state budget bill for the next two years, is that the governor and legislative leaders are using massive cuts and short-term budget gimmicks to address the vast majority of the revenue shortfall. This allows Government to shirk its responsibilities but postpone hard choices for another year or two.

In the worst recession in a generation, the state will cut support for low-income disabled adults, protective services for the elderly and children, drug and alcohol treatment, mental health services, child care for low-income workers, and need-based financial aid for college students. These cuts will be magnified by the loss of federal matching grants which become penny-wise and pound-foolish moves.

The real long-term issue is that Ohio will be faced with another huge budget gap when federal stimulus aid expires in 2011.

A major contributor to today's budget crunch is a tax overhaul costing the state treasury well over $2 billion each year in badly needed revenue.

Discussions about taxes create hand-wringing about where Ohio's tax levels stand in relation to those of other states. The reality is, we're about average.

The most obvious option is to start plugging tax loopholes. Thus far, legislators have not closed a single loophole in the budget bill but instead have added new ones. Given the size of the budget hole, some of the cuts to the state income tax and to business taxes should be reverse.

Instead of passing seven-day continuation budgets, it's time for state leaders to admit that it's time for a balanced approach to Ohio's budget problem. It should not be solved through cuts for services to children, the elderly, disabled individuals and the unemployed, but through shared sacrifice.

PRIMARY REFERENCES AND LINKS*
Wonder what to say or how to say it? Contact Hunger Network in Ohio (below) today for help with your presentation and/or arrange to join us on Tuesday at noon before the 2:00 House Finance Committee hearing.Connections with Public Officials

SENATE LEADERS AND CONFEREES
The Honorable Bill Harris, President; 614-466-8086
SD19@senate.state.oh.us

The Honorable Tom Niehaus, President Pro Tempore; 614-466-8082
SD14@senate.state.oh.us

The Honorable Capri Cafaro, Minority Leader; 614-466-7182
senatorcafaro@maild.sen.state.oh.us

The Honorable Shirley Smith, Assistant Minority Leader; 614-466-4857
senatorsmith@maild.sen.state.oh.us

The Honorable John Carey, H.B. 1 Conferee; 614-466-8156
SD17@senate.state.oh.us

The Honorable Dale Miller, H.B. 1 Conferee; 614-466-5123
SD23@maild.sen.state.oh.us

The Honorable Mark Wagoner, H.B. 1 Conferee; 614-466-8060
SD02@senate.state.oh.us

HOUSE LEADERS AND CONFEREES
The Honorable Armond Budish, Speaker of the House; 614-466-5441
district08@ohr.state.oh.us

The Honorable Matt Szollosi, Speaker Pro Tempore; 614-466-1418
district49@ohr.state.oh.us

The Honorable William Batchhelder, Minority Leader; 614-466-8140
district69@ohr.state.oh.us

The Honorable Louis Blessing, Assistant Minority Leader; 614-466-9091
district29@ohr.state.oh.us

The Honorable Vernon Sykes, H.B. 1 Conferee; 614-466-3100
district44@ohr.state.oh.us

The Honorable Ron Amstutz, H.B. Conferee; 614-466-1474
district03@ohr.state.oh.us

The Honorable Jay Goyal; H.B. Conferee; 614-466-5802
district73@ohr.state.oh.us

OHIO HOUSE FINANCE AND APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE
Representative John Adams: district78@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 466-1507
Representative Amstutz: district03@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 466-1474
Representative Batchelder: district69@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 466-8140
Representative Blessing, Jr.: district29@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 466-9091
Representative Bolon: district01@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 466-8022
Representative Boyd: district09@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 644-5079
Representative Brown: district48@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 466-1401
House Speaker Budish: district08@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 466-3246
Representative Burke: district83@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 466-8147
Representative Carney: district22@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 466-2473
Representative Celeste: district24@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 644-6005
Representative Chandler: district68@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 466-2004
Representative Dolan: district98@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 644-5088
Representative Driehaus: district31@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 466-5786
Representative Dyer: district43@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 466-1790
Representative Evans: district87@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 466-1366
Representative Fende: district62@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 466-7251
Representative Gardner: district06@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 466-8104
Representative Garrison: district93@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 644-8728
Representative Goodwin: district74@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 644-5091
Representative Goyal: district73@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 466-5802
Representative: Grossman: district23@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 466-9690
Representative Hall: district97@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 466-2994
Representative Heard: district26@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 466-8010
Representative Jordan: district02@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 644-6711
Representative Luckie: district39@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 466-1607
Representative Maag; district35@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 644-6023
Representative McClain: district82@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 644-6265
Representative McGregor: district72@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 466-2038
Representative Mecklenborg: district30@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 466-8258
Representative Morgan: district36@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 644-8051
Representative Sayre: district96@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 466-8035
Vice Chair Rep Sears: district46@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 466-1731
Representative Skindell: district13@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 466-5921
Representative Slesnick: district52@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 466-8030
Chair Rep Sykes: district44@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 466-3100
Representative Szollosi: district49@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 466-1418
Representative Ujvagi: district47@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 644-6017
Representative Yates: district33@ohr.state.oh.us; (614) 466-1308

You're own Ohio house of representative member: (http://www.house.state.oh.us/) or senator (http://www.senate.state.oh.us/)
Governor Strictland (http://www.governor.ohio.gov/Assistance/ContacttheGovernor/tabid/150/Default.aspx)ArticlesTime for straight talk on the state budget (Jon Honeck)http://www.ohio.com/editorial/commentary/49669772.html
Our View: Time to rethink the proposed budgethttp://www.wnewsj.com/main.asp?SectionID=42&SubSectionID=201&ArticleID=177926&TM=51162.35
Poorest aren't getting enough aidhttp://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/12467827584880.xml&coll=2Ready for examination: At the Statehouse, they emphasize spending cuts. Why, then, the reluctance to look closely at 'tax expenditures'?http://www.ohio.com/editorial/opinions/49962777.html
Will Ohio burn as its leaders fiddle?http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/politics/hershey-will-ohio-burn-as-its-leaders-fiddle-190367.html
No room for error if plan backfires, critics sayhttp://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/07/05/redflags.ART_ART_07-05-09_A1_K7ECMOO.html?sid=101
Wonder how Ohio got into this mess? Here's how: A record number are on food stamps and tax revenues have plummetedhttp://www.daytondailynews.com/news/politics/wonder-how-ohio-got-into-this-mess-heres-how-190276.html
Massive cuts weigh on governorhttp://www.dispatch.com/live/content/editorials/stories/2009/07/05/halcol05.ART_ART_07-05-09_G5_5REC6FO.html?sid=101
Budget cuts make job tough for Ohio governorhttp://www.daytondailynews.com/news/politics/budget-cuts-make-job-tough-for-ohio-governor-190296.html
State legislators will determine how much Ohio cares about its elderlyhttp://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090704/COLUMNIST24/907040305
Would money from slot machines all go to Ohio schools?http://www.cleveland.com/opinion/index.ssf/2009/07/would_money_from_slot_machines.html
Latest plan would slash total funding to schools: Many districts to lose 1% first year, 2% nexthttp://www.ohio.com/news/49962832.html

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Thank you.
Bob Erickson,
DirectorHunger Network in Ohio
82 East 16th AvenueColumbus, Ohio 43201
614.424.6203 (Phone)
www.hungernetohio.org (Website)
HungerNetOhio@aol.com (email)