Antonio Issues Statement on Governor's Vetoes

Today, Senate Minority Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) released the following statement following the governor’s 44 line-item vetoes to House Bill 33, the state operating budget.

“The governor’s veto power of the pen was Ohio’s last chance to lift up poor and working families over the wealthy and well-connected, at a time of surplus and great need,” said Antonio. “While the governor ultimately chose to veto 44 provisions, this budget still does not prioritize the needs of all—especially everyday Ohioans struggling the most to make ends meet.

“While Democrats worked and delivered positive elements in this budget, such as fair school funding and continued funding for mental health and social services, the governor's vetoes failed to include necessary transparency and accountability. Instead, the governor upheld the private school choice subsidies, cut taxes for the wealthy, ignored the voice of the voters in their choice of elected state school board representation and forced centers for conservative indoctrination on our public universities. Governor DeWine chose to support extremist policies and a partisan power grab over prioritizing the needs of everyday Ohioans.”