Antonio Condemns State Budget

Today, state Senator Antonio (D-Cleveland) issued the following statement after the Ohio Senate voted to accept conference committee changes to House Bill 33, the state operating budget.

“It is the responsibility of the Ohio General Assembly to create a fair and transparent budget that works for all Ohioans,” said Antonio. “We had a chance to pursue a bipartisan budget in Conference Committee, but instead, we have proposed a partisan budget that fails to prioritize the needs of all Ohioans. This budget puts Ohio on a path that will leave behind those who are struggling the most to get ahead.”

House Bill 33 creates universal school subsidies, slashes nearly $1 billion from Medicaid, and cuts taxes to the benefit of Ohio’s wealthiest residents. Additionally, it contains a number of controversial policy provisions, including Senate Bill 1 to transfer most powers of the state Board of Education, which is comprised primarily of elected members, to a new executive agency, as well as Senate Bill 117 to create new centers for “conservative indoctrination” at five state universities.

House Bill 33 now heads to Governor DeWine for his signature. He may still line-item veto provisions of the budget.