February 2011 News from Policy Matters Ohio: Budget blues
Posted February 19, 2011 in eNews
One Ohio… Now – More than 35 organizations and hundreds of individuals gathered in Columbus on January 14 to launch a new coalition that argues for a balanced approach to the Ohio budget that relies in part on raising more revenue for needed services. Learn about One Ohio Now and the human service advocates, faith-based leaders, working people, community organizations, educators and citizens that are united to fight devastating budget cuts and preserve a stronger Ohio. Some of the press: an Akron Beacon Journal Editorial, a Columbus Dispatch story, a Dayton Daily News Op-Ed, and a clip from Ohio Public Radio.
Film to fix Ohio Budget – This new video by Policy Matters’ Piet van Lier gives voice to policy advocates, activists and people on the frontlines who are concerned that Ohio’s budget will continue to be dominated by a one-sided assault on funding for basic, necessary services. Look, listen, and come away with a better sense of why we need a balanced approach that includes revenue to build a stronger Ohio.
Faith and Finance – Two-dozen Cleveland-area clergy gathered on January 21 with others at Trinity Cathedral to demand a fair and equitable state budget. Sponsored by Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries and Advocates for Budget Legislation Equality, this gathering gave eloquent voice to the moral case for preserving the services that Ohio families and communities need.
Budgets and bargaining – Historically and through today, Ohio has had trade unions to protect workers from management excesses and collectively bargain for wages and rights. In Ohio, despite declines in union representation, unions remain the largest collective voice for working people. Allowing public workers to bargain collectively reduces labor strife, reduces likelihood of strikes, and can lead to better training and higher productivity for public sector workers. Attorneys, academics and our own Wendy Patton held a December discussion on state budgets and collective bargaining.
Talk, talk, talk – Recent talks at the Mandel Center and the Foundation Center by David Rothstein and Amy Hanauer focused on how the budget slashing might affect Ohio non-profits. One is summarized here.
That’s all!
The Policy Matters Team