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Email conversations about "ending hunger in Ohio through changing conditions which cause poverty"
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Advocates for reducing hunger |
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Hunger Network in Ohio |
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Impacting State Budget Decisions |
Late last week, the Ohio House of Representatives passed a budget bill. The $112 billion two-year spending plan retains most of Gov. John Kasich's proposals and adds a number of new ones.
The debate now moves to the Senate, where public testimony in the Senate Finance Committee is set to begin the week of May 16.
The budget, which covers fiscal 2012 and 2013, is on track to reach the Governor's desk by the end of the 2011 fiscal year on June 30.
We who are concerned about Ohio's “least of these…” brothers, sisters, and children in need, continue to have an opportunity to influence the outcome. But, we must redouble our efforts to ensure that our message is being heard throughout the state, at the Statehouse, and in the Senators' backyards.
As a resource for understanding and impacting the ongoing financial health of the State and care for the most vulnerable Ohioans, the Hunger Network in Ohio (HNO) includes here “Plenty and Scarcity: Hunger and Public Policy 2011.” This hunger issues booklet provides information, stimulates discussion, and encourages advocacy in congregation, community groups, and families.
You may access it by downloading the attached PDF.
The Ohio House approved a budget last Thursday that reduces funding for schools, local governments and support services.
However, at the same time, tax revenues for April forecast that revenues may be nearly $1 billion more than expected at the end fiscal year 2011 on June 30. As the Senate begins budget hearings, these surpluses could change some of the assumption of both the Governor's and House proposal.
The House, after seven hours of debate, voted 59-to-40 the $112 billion budget. It will cut 20 percent in basic aid for Ohio school districts, severely ax the Local Government Fund, and curtail a wide range of human services, including underfunding emergency food, failure to provide sufficient case workers in country jobs and family service intake positions, and further eroding mental health safety net support.
However, these optimistic numbers raise the question of whether revenue projections for the newly approved House version of the budget may be upgraded. In that case, lawmakers could to fill in funding wherever they choose.
As advocates for those on the economic edge, we CAN make a difference by raising our voices amid the cacophony of competing causes.
The attached hunger issues resource booklets with legislative directories address challenges faced by public officials along with their initial responses. Recommendations are included for bringing greater compassion and justice to their ultimate decisions.
One Ohio Now
Advocates for Ohio's
Future
Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks
Divided Ohio House Passes Budget Full of Cuts on Heels of Rosy Budget News
Can Faith have a Prayer in Politics?
OACAA Releases State of Poverty in Ohio Prepared by CRP
Budget alters Ohio's priorities
Report: Parents with low pay rely on aid
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