State Representative Jim Buchy
Budget Bill Will Continue Ohio’s Economic Improvement 

During discussion on the House floor regarding the tax cuts in the state budget, a fellow state representative made a simple, but important, point. While we might not always think of it in this way, taxes and freedom share a strong link. The less money the government takes out of our pockets, the more freedom we have to spend it the way we want. 

His message seems especially appropriate this time of year, as we just celebrated our nation’s independence. Along with the anticipation of continued job creation, freedom is certainly a worthy reason to support reducing taxes. 

At the same time, it is important that the state provides proper funding for things like schools and universities. The final version of the budget increases state aid to nearly 70 percent of Ohio schools, with no school district receiving less money than it did during the last fiscal year.  

In west central Ohio we have some of the best schools in the entire state. It is important to me that we reward their exemplary achievements by providing them with the resources they need to continue producing young people prepared for college and careers. 

Thanks to an improving economy and more people working, there is more tax revenue coming into the state without people having to pay a higher rate. In fact, Ohio residents will see a $2.7 billion net tax reduction over the next three years, while still having access to important public services. 

It’s simple: When more people are working, more people are paying taxes, and therefore people don’t have to pay as much. 

Our state has come a long way over the course of two-and-a-half years. Incredibly, 18 percent of this year’s budget didn’t even exist going into the previous budget cycle. But because people are getting back to work, our families, farms and businesses are getting stronger, which makes our state a better place to live work and rear a family. 

Please let me know what you think about the current discussions in Columbus. You can answer questions regarding this topic and others at tinyurl.com/buchyjuly.