From the Statehouse 2007 No. 07
by Jennifer Garrison
May. 5, 2007
FROM THE STATEHOUSE – May 3, 2007
Most people thought they would never see the day when Democrats and Republicans unanimously voted for Ohio’s 2 year operating budget. In fact, the last time this occurred was May 11, 1955 when the budget passed out of the Ohio House without opposition. I believe the voters in Ohio sent a strong message in November- put party differences aside to do what is right for Ohio. I voted “yes”. The bill is now in the Senate.
The real winners in this process are the people of Ohio. The Governor balanced his priorities with that of the legislature. The $52 billion 2-year budget is the lowest budget growth in 42 years. The highlights of this bill include:
Largest property tax cut in history. Specifically all senior citizens and disabled Ohio homeowners will pay no taxes on the first $25,000 of market value on their home.
35,000 more uninsured Ohio children will be eligible for health insurance. This will impact our local hospitals who will receive Medicaid reimbursement for medical care provided to lower income uninsured children, whose families cannot pay for the medical care they receive today. This is accomplished by changing the poverty level for eligibility from 200% to 300%.
Ohio’s state colleges and universities will be receiving more state money and in return tuition is capped at a 3% increase in 2008 and 0% increase for 2009. The average yearly increase over the last 7 years has been 9%. The goal is to have more Ohioans obtain college degrees providing the educated workforce needed for 21st century jobs. Families need this assurance they can afford to send their kids to college.
Disabled Ohioans will now be able to buy in to Medicaid if they go to work. Many disabled Ohioans are capable and desire to be employed. Because of a pre-existing condition they cannot obtain medical insurance and therefore must stay on Medicaid. This budget allows disabled Ohioans to seek employment and still be on Medicaid, but they must pay for this insurance. Disabled Ohioans who believe employment will give their life more meaning have been pushing for this buy-in provision for years.
This budget offers all 3 and 4 year olds pre-school if their parents earn 200% or less of the federal poverty level. When students enroll in kindergarten ready to learn it allows the teacher to bring all children along at a faster pace. For $1 spent early in a child’s life, the state saves $7 later.
Restores funding to low income Ohioans for dental, chiropractic and independent psychologists services.
This budget gives providers a 3% increase for PASSPORT nursing services. PASSPORT allows elderly Ohioans to stay in their homes instead of going to a nursing home. This is a good choice for the elderly and cheaper for the state. The bill also provides an additional 5600 slots for PASSPORT services.
$10 million is appropriated to create science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) academies throughout the state.
The Coalition of Ohio Appalachian Learners (COAL) - program is funded with $1.2 million. COAL provides Appalachian intermediate teachers with the training and technology to improve science content knowledge and integrate technology in their classrooms. Many teachers in this area have taken advantage of COAL.
The budget increases per pupil funding for kindergarten through 12th grade by 3% each year.
You can reach Jennifer Garrison at her Columbus office at 614-644-8728 or in the district at 740-373-2414 or by e-mail at jennifer@jennifergarrison.com. Her website is <a href="/a>