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01/18/2017
Kasich on Budget: ‘It’s Going to Be Tough; It’s Going to Be Tight.”
Addressing economic development leaders last week, Governor John Kasich continued to say that he expects a tight budget and said he will do everything possible to make sure his successor gets a budget in balance. The event, hosted by the Columbus Partnership, also featured remarks from Senate President Larry Obhof and Speaker Cliff Rosenberger, who previewed their upcoming agendas.
Kasich said about half the states are experiencing revenue shortfalls, and added that nothing stays on an upward trajectory forever. He said there is $2 billion in the rainy day fund, but said that is not to be “frittered away.” Instead, he said it will be about looking at every program and making choices.
“I don’t care what it takes. We are going to be structurally balanced. If we are not, it threatens the ability to create jobs,” Kasich said, adding later, “It’s going to be tough. It’s going to be tight. But we’ll be able to live through that.”
He said he will be testifying in Congress on Medicaid expansion, saying he plans to talk about how it has allowed the state to improve the whole system.
Speaker Rosenberger said that in the coming days he will name a number of task forces that will include legislators and members of the community that will address topics such as preserving Ohio’s military institutions, the effect of poverty on education, and aging. The state will also continue its focus on Ohio’s opioid epidemic, Rosenberger stated. (The Hannah Report)