Columbus – The Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus is submitting more than 300 amendments today to add much-needed fairness and accountability to House Bill 153, the proposed biennial state budget for fiscal years 2012-2013. The amendments reflect the Caucus’ commitment to protecting good-paying jobs, strengthening families and empowering communities.
“Our priority is to protect taxpayers and address some of the devastating cuts proposed by the Governor and House Republicans,” said Senate Minority Leader Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard). “We should not balance the budget on the backs of the vulnerable or local governments. Unfortunately, that’s what will happen if we don’t make considerable changes to the current budget plan.”
The budget amendments protect taxpayers by strengthening oversight and accountability for charter schools and by ensuring there are no “sweetheart deals” to sell state prisons or lease the Ohio Turnpike at less than fair market value.
The Senate Democratic Caucus has proposed restoring funding for PASSPORT and Help Me Grow—programs that provide vital healthcare and nutrition services for older and younger Ohioans. The list of amendments also includes the restoration of funding for public transportation, mental health/developmental disability programs and the Ohio Consumer’s Counsel.
“The Republican budget cuts are going to hurt too many Ohioans who desperately need our assistance,” said Senator Michael J. Skindell (D-Lakewood), the Ranking Member on the Senate Finance Committee. “Our amendments will help Ohioans at a time when many of them have no where else to turn.”
The amendments utilize resources from a projected budget surplus for fiscal year 2011.