E-FOCUS ALERT JUNE 2009
Ohio Legislative Action Alert
Budget was passed July 13, 2009.
Please contact your elected officials and voice your disapproval over cuts [MORE]
The Catholic Conference of Ohio is concerned with many legislative issues: the defense of all human life, from conception through natural death; care for the poor and vulnerable; and the promotion of the common good. The Catholic Church also provides direct care and education for Ohio’s citizens through numerous schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and social service agencies.
Budget Crisis
HB 1, the state budget bill, has passed the Ohio House and Senate and is now in Conference Committee. A balanced budget must be passed before July 1, 2009.
Currently the budget is projected to be $3.2 B short. The Governor has proposed new cuts that will severely impact human service programs for Ohio’s most vulnerable residents, and upon parents who choose nonpublic schools for their children.
Substantial cuts are proposed in programs that provide food, mental health services, childcare, elder services, health clinic services and unemployment services. [More]
$59 M in cuts, over the next two years, has also been proposed in two important line items that support children enrolled in Catholic schools: Auxiliary Services and Administrative Cost Reimbursement (200511, 200532). Students in an average-sized Catholic school will receive $40,000 - $100,000 less in resources and services in 2009/2010 unless the proposed changes are reversed. [More]
Revenue Needs
There is much debate in the legislature over the need for new revenues. The Ohio Bishops believe that tax reform should enhance economic opportunity and job creation while securing sufficient funds to serve the common needs of society, especially those who are poor and vulnerable [More]. The Bishops do not believe enhanced revenues from slot machines and casino gambling are in the best moral, social and economic interests of Ohio citizens [More].
The Catholic Conference of Ohio is asking legislators to prioritize the needs of the poor and most vulnerable, and to support Catholic schools, hospitals, nursing homes and social service programs.
Time is of the essence.
I am opposed to the harmful cuts enacted in HB 1.
I am opposed to the cuts in human services programs.
I am opposed to $59 M in cuts to programs helping students in Catholic schools.
Statehouse (800) 282-0253
Information on contacting your Legislators
Location: 9 E. Long St. Suite 201, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: 614-224-7147 / Fax: 614-224-7150
Web: www.ohiocathconf.org