I know it may be too late, but here are some political updates:
Political notes – in brief:
The state and city are facing massive budget shortfalls. The state of Ohio is facing a shortfall of $851 million. Weeks ago, Governor Strickland issued his plan to stave off the shortfall by freezing tax cuts approved by Governor Taft. The State House passed a bill doing just this. But we have been waiting on the senate.
Yesterday, the Republicans in the state senate issued their proposal that includes cutting money for the homeless, saving money assuming that SD22 passes and criminal sentences are reduced, and allocating the casino money (that will not be available for months) to the shortfall instead of the promised job training programs. The Republican plan is so problematic that even the Ohio Chamber of Commerce prefers the Governor's plan. Indeed, it is so bad, that the Republicans in the senate couldn't get 17 of their 21 members to pass their plan. After realizing their situation, the senate Republicans decided to go on vacation. They will return in December. If this issue is important to you, contact your state senator and urge them to support the governor's plan. Information can be found here: http://www.saveohio.org/
The city is also facing deficits. City council has yet to decide how they will make up their projected shortfalls – but they passed a property tax cut anyway. Contact Cincinnati City Council members and let them know which services the city provides are important to you – before they suffer further cuts.
Letters to the editor on the budgets are always helpful as well -- but don't hold your breath on them being published.
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