Kasich Still Slashing Locals

Ohio Gov. John Kasich last week reiterated his plan to continue to cut aid to local governments despite a recent climb in state tax collections.

The plan is part of the current two-year $55 billion budget that reduced local government aid by 25% last year and another 25% this year.

The first-term governor told the Cincinnati Enquirer that he would stick to the plan despite a recent unexpected uptick in revenues. Kasich, a Republican, said he would veto any bill that attempts to restore the funding to localities.

Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory criticized the move, saying it has been a steady source of revenue for local governments since 1935.

“By eliminating this important source of revenue for local communities, Gov. Kasich is simply passing the state’s budget troubles on to cities,” Mallory said in a statement.

“For 77 years, the state of Ohio has committed to support the needs of its local communities,” the Democratic mayor added. “Now, the governor apparently cannot balance his budget without doing it on the backs of cities, villages and townships.”

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