Ohio Governor's Statement on Ohio Senate Operating Budget

June 3, 2009 -- Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today issued the following statement on the passage of the Ohio Senate’s version of the State Operating Budget for Fiscal Years 2010-2011:

“The Ohio Senate has now had the opportunity to outline the priorities of the majority of the chamber. It is disappointing that Senate Republicans stripped the budget bill of the very proposals that will create jobs for Ohioans and promote lasting economic growth. The Senate rejected a transformational plan to better educate our students for success in the modern economy. And they rejected a series of innovative and inexpensive proposals that would provide 110,000 more Ohioans with access to affordable private health care.

“Because of the worsening economy, more tough budget choices are ahead. But deferring the critical education and health care reforms that will revive Ohio’s economy is exactly the wrong response.

“My top budget priority is to strengthen Ohio’s economy by strengthening our schools. To accomplish this, we must improve education so that every Ohio child is better prepared for the jobs of the future. To meet our constitutional obligation, we must fund our schools based on what research tells us will ensure student success and reduce the overreliance on local property taxes. And, to know that our schools are achieving results, we must require all schools to demonstrate strict spending accountability. These are the critical principles that will establish a modern system of education that meets the needs of every Ohio child.

“I look forward to discussing these priorities as we work to find common ground in the weeks ahead.”

Source: Ohio Governor