Ohio's Operating Budget Makes the Wrong Choice: Rep. Russo Urges Governor to Veto Harmful Provisions

COLUMBUS — State Rep. C. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) today called on Governor Mike DeWine to veto key provisions in the state operating budget that risk our healthcare, cut our public schools, and give huge handouts to billionaires. Rep. Russo asks DeWine to use his authority during his final budget as governor to prioritize children, seniors, and working families.

“This budget prioritizes the wealthiest at the expense of Ohio’s working families, students, and seniors," said Rep. Russo. “This is not just a matter of numbers, it is a question of priorities. This budget shortchanges our schools, undermines healthcare access, and places more burdens on those already struggling to make ends meet, all while granting outsized benefits to the most well-off. The Governor has the opportunity and the responsibility to right these wrongs before they become law.”

The letter sent Friday to the governor lays out provisions included in the budget that go completely against the governor’s own vision for Ohio and its citizens. Therefore, Rep. Russo requested the governor line-item veto those provisions. This budget, the first without any bipartisan support in more than a decade, cannot be fixed with vetoes but many harmful provisions can be removed if the governor chooses to act. 

The letter sent by Rep. Russo to the governor can be viewed here.