COLUMBUS, Ohio—Today, Ohio Sen. Nickie Antonio (D-Cleveland)(pictured), a Cleveland area Democrat who's 23rd state legislative district includes 14 of Cleveland's 17 wards, issued a statement against the state budget after the Republican-dominated Ohio Senate approved it on Friday. via a vote along party lines.
The controversial $!91 billion operating budget , dubbed House Bill 33, includes $1.3 billion in income tax cuts for private school vouchers, which has upset Democrats and teachers unions. among other budget provisions. Opponents say the monies can be put to better use.
"It is the responsibility of the Ohio General Assembly to create a fair and transparent budget that works for all Ohioans," said Antonio after voting againt the state operating budget. "We had a chance to pursue a bipartisan budget in conference committee, but instead, we have proposed a partisan budget that fails to prioritize the needs of all Ohioans. This budget puts Ohio on a path that will leave behind those who are struggling the most to get ahead."
House Bill 33 creates universal school subsidies, slashes nearly $1 billion from Medicaid, and cuts taxes to the benefit of Ohio's wealthiest residents. Additionally, it contains a number of controversial policy provisions, including Senate Bill 1 to transfer most powers of the state Board of Education, which is comprised primarily of elected members, to a new executive agency, as well as Senate Bill 117 to create new centers for "conservative indoctrination" at five state universities.
House Bill 33 now heads to Gov. DeWine for his signature. The governor has line-item veto power and should properly use it, Antonio said.
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