The use of budgetary devices created, in part, through newly identified “tax cuts” termed “tough decisions” that practically effect politically ideological goals is a fraud on each Ohio citizen. While some may praise spending cuts justified by a plea of excuses premised on previously unspoken discomforts about seniority, pay and negotiating relationships of public employees; lost is the fact public employees and union workers are taxpayers, many pay property taxes, and their services define the character of our community and state.
In economic terms, public employees and union workers are vital consumers supportive of local business. The money each worker is paid goes to local stores or pay for services through a repeated re-invested necessary to support our local economy. The destabilization of the economic base supported by public employees and union workers during this time of severe economic recession and high unemployment is patently irresponsible. A long term economic recovery must be built on a foundation that supports the absolute necessity to provide the highest quality of education in our schools, providing essential services for the protection of citizens and guaranty quality workers for growth.
None of the statements issued by newly appointed politicos include a commitment that their tough decisions will result in the better education of Ohio school students, nor assure better police or fire protection. In their extended litany of excuses, our politicos identify no specific economic benefit for their actions. If they claim their difficult decisions will result in jobs, then what jobs, when, where and how much economic gain will result. They make no promise that local income, sales or property taxes will not be increased to compensate for “touch decisions” made in Columbus. All these “touch decisions” appear to create is a suspension of critical analysis and the probative examination of actions and consequences expected of well founded decision making.
The state of Ohio needs long term corporate and individual tax policies that provide education at the highest level; seriously address a broad range of jobs; expand business opportunities and award achievement. These goals cannot be leveraged against rights and benefits taken from public employees and working people. With the exception of the present state administration, public servants understand pay freezes, accepting reduces benefits, longer hours of commitment and the importance of the service each provides to make Ohio a better place.
Before the State of Ohio adopts the business policies proposed, including sale or long term lease of assets owned by Ohio citizens by buzz word jargon, we need to remember that bad business judgment resulted in the bankruptcy of John Kasich’s former employer. The State of Ohio cannot afford to a Wall Street type bail out of risks that results in private profit at public cost. Ohio citizens must demand that public resources that return tax money such as state liquor sales or oil and gas harvested at state parks be strictly accounted and paid to public accounts, supporting pubic service and re-investment in Ohio. We need to ask, what will be the result of these “tough decisions.”
