Statehouse rally provides reality check for policy makers
June 4, 2009
Today a broad coalition of clergy, families, and community health and human services organizations from across Ohio convened at the Ohio statehouse. They called on Governor Strickland and legislative leaders to make the difficult decision to raise revenues to ensure that the state supports families struggling in the recession. Participants pointed out that it is more important than ever to focus resources on local services that keep Ohio's workforce, families, and communities strong. Participants told state leaders, including Governor Strickland, Senate President Harris, House Speaker Budish, and other lawmakers that they were there to support those who provided the tough leadership Ohio needs to get back on its feet. While acknowledging that raising revenues is a hard decision, those present pointed out that according to a poll done in March, 57% of Ohioans favor an approach to solving the state's fiscal crisis that includes increasing revenues to avoid further cuts to important services. Those results were before the economic impact on Ohio of the GM bankruptcy became apparent. Clergy members from a variety of faiths and different communities spoke about the moral responsibility of taking care of Ohio's most vulnerable - our children, hungry families, the disabled, fragile elderly and the unemployed. Pointing out the significant cuts that have already been made to funding for community services, they joined the call for increased revenues. Religious and community organizations are overwhelmed and struggling to meet the dramatic increase in those who need assistance. After the statehouse rally, participants met individually with legislators and the Governor's staff to deliver "Reality Checks". The mock checks called for leadership to solve the state's fiscal crisis using a balanced approach that includes increasing revenues to fund services that support individuals and the Ohio economy. "While we recognize the difficult decisions and choices Ohio's leaders and policymakers face, balancing the budget cannot be done by cuts alone. Without increased revenues, we will be forced to eliminate vital services to Ohioans at a time when they need them most" stated Gayle Channing Tenenbaum, Co-Chair for the Campaign to Protect Ohio's Future. Community members delivered checks to their legislators, and offered their personal support for the hard decision that must be made to raise more money for people in need. Statehouse insiders are predicting that the upcoming revenue forecast, due next week, could show the state will be at least an additional $1 billion short of funds for the next budget, which would force additional budget cuts in a state budget already cut three times in the last year. The rally was attended by a number of Athens County leaders and advocates. In attendance were Andrea Reik, Executive Director of Athens County Children Services; Roger McCauley, Executive Director of the Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development; Bob Garbo, Executive Director of Hocking-Athens-Perry Community Action; David Hunter, Help Me Grow Supervisor; Margaret Demko, health care reform advocate; Arlene Sheak, health care reform advocate; and Jeanne Wells, advocate.
The Campaign to Protect Ohio's Future is a coalition of health, human services, education organizations seeking to protect Ohio's most vulnerable citizens by restoring or adequately funding vital services through a responsible budget that has as its primary priority to meet basic human needs and provide sufficient funds to invest in Ohio's future.
