Federal aid crucial to avert closings, service loss; Offer survey feedback

Last week, Gov. Ted Strickland and Budget Director Pari Sabety did not say where the budget ax would fall. State officials yesterday however, released a detailed report (PDF) on how Ohio's growing budget deficit could -- but likely won't, speculate many, because of prospects for federal aid -- translate into specific cuts at various agencies.

State agency directors painted a gloomy, but vivid, picture of an Ohio with six fewer prisons, hiked college tuition costs, gated state parks and closed facilities, compromised food safety, an additional mental health hospital closing, severely fewer services for the elderly, and a development center capacity cut in half, according to reports published Thursday, Dec. 11, by the Columbus Dispatch.

The administration said it is not recommending the cuts but rather making the analysis public as a way to educate Ohioans about the extent of the budget problem ahead if the state doesn't get significant federal help.

To worsen matters, the impact of a 25 percent across-the-board state budget cut could ultimately result in the loss of several federal grants that agencies need to deliver vital public programs. The reality is that states must have significant additional federal resources to provide the vital health care and family services their citizens need, especially in difficult economic times.

You can help:

1. Offer your feedback by taking a moment to complete an online survey today. Tell AFSCME International what's happening with you and your family... where you work.. and in your community here in Ohio.
   
   
2. Now is the time for Congress to provide temporary, targeted and timely state fiscal relief. Send a message to your representatives today.
   
   
3. Support your bargaining team and keep connected throughout the process.

This news followed the release of the November state financial report. For more budget and bargaining union news, check the OCSEA's website often.