Gov. Strickland, why so many cuts to Human Services in a time of recession?

State budget: Governor suggests $2 billion in cuts
Targets would include Medicaid, Passport
Candisky, Catherine and Jim Siegel. Columbus Dispatch, 2009.

Gov. Ted Strickland has floated roughly $2 billion in cuts to help close a $3.2 billion shortfall in the two-year state budget, a plan that would slash health care and other safety-net services for Ohio's poor, The Dispatch has learned.

The administration reportedly gave details of the plan over the weekend to Democratic leaders in the Ohio House. Majority Republicans in the Senate say they have not been briefed on the cost-savings ideas.

Sources say the areas where Strickland has suggested cutting include: dental, vision and other Medicaid services for low-income adults; the Passport program that enables the elderly to receive care at their home instead of in a nursing home; and services to protect children and adults from abuse.

The administration also proposed eliminating preschool for low-income children, a planned expansion of tax-funded health coverage to uninsured children, and planned increases in payments to nursing homes caring for disabled.

Cuts in state aid to Ohio colleges and universities are back on the table, education advocates say, and flat-funding for the next two years may be the best that primary and secondary schools can hope for.

Administration officials refused to discuss details.

"No decisions have been made," said Amanda Wurst, spokeswoman for Strickland. "The governor does not intend to have those discussions or provide information outside of budget deliberations."

The administration also isn't talking about results of its order for state agencies to prepare plans identifying cuts of up to 30 percent of their spending for 2010-11. The proposals were completed last week, but agencies refused to provide them under orders from the governor's office.

Wurst refused a Dispatch public records request yesterday to make the agency plans public.

Strickland and legislative leaders in both parties insist that they will not raise taxes. Asked yesterday whether the budget can be balanced without a tax increase or expanded gambling, Senate President Bill M. Harris, R-Ashland, said, "Yes. In my opinion, we have to."

But some rank-and-file Democrats and Republicans have expressed strong support for expanded gambling, such as slot machines at Ohio's racetracks or perhaps in bars and restaurants.

And some are not taking such a hard-line opposition to new taxes.

"We have to stop pretending that we aren't going to raise taxes, because we're going to have to raise taxes," said Rep. Robert F. Hagan, D-Youngstown.

"We're going to have to stop some of the give-backs that the (Gov. Bob) Taft administration gave and rescue some of these agencies that need help. You can't get there by just cutting."

Rep. Dan Stewart, D-Columbus, also says lawmakers should look at part of the 21 percent state income tax cut that has been phased in since Republicans approved it in 2005. People don't even realize they got a tax cut, he said, because most of it went to wealthy Ohioans.

"I'm just not sure why we went along with implementing the rest of that tax cut, which is a significant chunk of change," he said. "I think we've got to find some additional revenues."

The governor, House and Senate have until the end of the month to agree on a new two-year state budget. Hundreds of differences in versions approved by the two chambers must be resolved.

Meshing versions passed by each became significantly more difficult last week when the administration released new projections showing a $3.2 billion shortfall in anticipated revenue for the upcoming biennium.

Hopes & Dreams Advocacy Strategy

DREAMS of Foster Care Youth and Alumni:

I am reaching… “To be the best mother that I can be, while pursuing my college degree.”

But I might need a hand to get me started! Independent Living funds helped Vanessa Jackson learn how to cook and budget.

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I am reaching… “Toward serving my country in the military, while continuing to pursue my college degree.”

But I might need a hand to get me started! Independent Living funds helped Lamar Hammons find a mentor through the College Bound Mentoring Program.

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I am reaching… “Toward safeguarding the lives and homes of others by working for Jefferson Township’s Fire Department.”

But I might need a hand to get me started! Independent Living funds provided emergency housing for Tim Hill when he first exited foster care.

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I am reaching… “Toward finding a job after graduating from Wright State University
with a Bachelors in Criminal Justice and a minor in Political Science.”

But I might need a hand to get me started! Independent Living funds equipped Sarah Callihan with life skills that helped her transition into college life easily.

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I am reaching… “Forward to my junior year at Miami University, where I’m pursuing a double major in Psychology and Sociology with double minors in Black World Studies and Political Science.”

But I might need a hand to get me started! Independent Living funds helped Kierra Williams get involved with a youth advisory board, and find out that she has leadership abilities.

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HOPES of Ohio Foster Care Alumni on behalf of their younger brothers and sisters:

Hoping you, like me, invest in their future: As a former foster child, Denee Foster knows the importance of Independent Living preparation.

Not a handout, but a hand-up… Denee volunteers her time at Children’s Hospital and
teaches life skills to foster care youth at Village Network.

***

Hoping you, like me, invest in their future: As a former foster child, Grace Hilliard has testified several times about the importance of the Independent Living Allocation.

Not a handout, but a hand-up… Grace graduated in May from CCAD with a BA in Fine Arts, and is entering graduate school at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

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Hoping you, like me, invest in their future: As a former foster child, Adrian McLemore has testified several times about the importance of the Independent Living Allocation.

Not a handout, but a hand-up… Adrian was recently named FosterClub’s Outstanding Young Leader of the Year. He is actively involved in Student Government at Wright State University – and he aspires to be President someday.

***

Hoping you, like me, invest in their future: Lisa Dickson is a 30-something former foster child. She founded the Ohio chapter of Foster Alumni of America three years ago.

Not a handout, but a hand-up… Lisa has Masters degree in Library Science, and has used her skills in research to craft workshops for national conferences and to assist the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program.

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Hoping you, like me, invest in their future: Ralph Wills spoke before an audience of 100+ higher education officials and 100+ social workers during the 2009 Ohio Reach event.

Not a handout, but a hand-up… Ralph recently graduated from Muskingum College and
found employment through Maxim Healthcare Services.