Columbus – Senate Democratic Leader Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard) issued the following statement in regards to Governor Kasich’s budget plan:
“I am deeply concerned that the Governor’s decision to slash funding to local governments will put a tremendous strain on communities across the state. Even with additional flexibility to share resources, the state is creating a fiscal crisis for local governments that will likely lead to tax increases, reduced services and additional layoffs.
“I am also apprehensive about the sale of five prisons and the closing of other correctional facilities including two in my Senate district and the impact that it will have on jobs and public safety. We should not forget that convicted murderers escaped from a private prison in Youngstown while we search for ways to balance our budget. What assurances do we have that more privately owned and operated prisons won’t pose the same risk to our communities? Furthermore, selling five prisons is an example of one-time money that Republicans have blamed for our current budget deficit.
“Finally, the education portion of the budget is voodoo budgeting. The administration claims its budget increases funding for K-12 education, when in reality it makes significant cuts.”