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State Representative Jim Buchy
The Budget: My
Favorite Season of the Year
With the start of every new General Assembly, we in the Ohio House
begin by working on the state budget. This process occurs every
odd-numbered year with the governor releasing a proposed budget. The
Ohio House then works on their version, followed by the Ohio Senate. We
then concur on a version of the budget bill, which is submitted to the
governor for final approval.
This is always my favorite season in the legislature. As a butcher by
trade, I just love to cut, whether that is meat or wasteful government
spending. But on a serious note, we have seen revenues increase
statewide, and as a result I am for cutting your taxes to keep more
money in your wallet.
Expanding our government is a mistake that many General Assemblies have
made in the past. There are many necessary programs that will of course
need to be funded, but we must be mindful that the money we are using
belongs to the taxpayer, and should be spend sparingly.
Governor Kasich’s proposed budget made some major changes, something we
are used to from our governor. While these bold proposals seek to make
a positive impact here in Ohio, the House will be focused on ensuring
that Ohioans see their taxes decrease. We will work hard and listen to
the experts to ensure that the end result is something that all
branches of the state government can be proud of, along with the
citizens of our state.
School funding is a major issue this budget season, and I am working
hard to get our schools the same or increased funding from the previous
budget. Our schools in western Ohio are the best stewards of taxpayer
funds, and I would like to see them receive the support they need to
continue their record of success.
Once our committees finish reviewing and evaluating the budget bills,
they will be passed and moved along to the Senate. We don’t expect to
see any final proposals until we are well into this summer, and I hope
by then we have a good plan in place to save our taxpayers money and
fund our needed state programs and services so that they can function
for the betterment of all Ohioans.
As always, I would appreciate hearing your feedback on this and any
other issues in the state legislature. You can complete a survey at
tinyurl.com/buchymarch2015
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