The proposed $50 Billion state budget was thrown out of balance when Governor Strickland's ill-fated Video Slots plan was deemed illegal. The machines were to have brought in $851 million dollars, earmarked specifically for education, in fiscal year 2010.
The Ohio House approved a plan to restore balance by delaying a planned income tax cut, an option state senators are refusing to accept. Should the year end with no agreement, the tax cut takes effect automatically, and the deficit must be taken from the state's support of schools.
In a plea orchestrated by the Columbus-based public interest group Progress Ohio, educators implored the senate to accept the tax cut delay and get the budget passed.
Middle School teacher Kevin Langen of South-Western City, Ohio's 6th largest district, says voters, and senators, don't understand just how many reductions have already been made.
KEVIN LANGEN: "People say 'you have fat'. We're cutting into sinew and we're cutting into bone. We don't have fat."
It was Langen’s district that made national news this fall by dropping all sports, drama, and even the band to cut costs.
Ninth grader Niyala Hedge of Cleveland's John F. Kennedy High spoke of disadvantages some students already face.
NIYALA HEDGE: "We don't have enough money for computers, books and supplies already. So to take that money would put us way back."
According to the Ohio Federation of Teachers, the state’s public and charter schools would lose a combined $2.3 Billion dollars in funding if the state legislature doesn't approve a budget by January first. Cleveland's estimated two-year loss would exceed $111 million, more than 13% of expected revenue. Akron schools would lose $38 million and Euclid $7.8 million - each also 13% of funding. A few schools would lose even higher percentages.
Rick Jackson, 90.3.
