The FY 2008 - 2009 state budget presents both challenges and opportunities for policy
makers and advocates. Challenges include the recently enacted limitation on state
general fund appropriations as well as the continued demands for health and social
services, a lack of adequate investment in our primary, secondary and higher education
system, diminished resources for local governments, and continued implementation
of a tax reform plan that reduces resources for vital public services.
We must seize the opportunity to reaffirm Ohio's commitment to children, seniors,
and our most vulnerable citizens in the next state budget by uniting our efforts
through the Campaign to Protect Ohio's Future. Over the last two budgets, hundreds
of organizations endorsed the Campaign's budget principles and as a result we helped
to secure new funding for PASSPORT, child care, and the Access to Better Care Initiative.
At the same time, the Campaign prevented reductions in funding for education, local
governments, and secured new tax revenues that support all state services.
We ask you to again join forces with the Campaign to Protect Ohio's Future by endorsing
our state budget principles. Our campaign has been successful because organizations
from around the state joined forces to protect Ohio's future. We need that
same level of commitment in the FY 2008 - FY 2009 state budget process. Thank
you for supporting this important work by endorsing.
