Cities, counties and school districts in Ohio have seen sharp revenue declines over the past two years, according to this report. Small cities in northeast Ohio that pool collections through the Regional Income Tax Agency have averaged a 7.5 percent drop in income tax collections between 2008 and 2009, while the state's six largest cities have 2010 shortfalls ranging from three to more than 16 percent. With citizens being warned by sheriffs to arm themselves in the wake of sheriff department layoffs, federal help is needed. The Local Jobs for America Act, introduced by Representative George Miller (D-CA) in the House, with companion legislation under development by Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), would enable local governments to retain teachers, firefighters, law enforcement officers and other local employees, stabilizing the economy and helping to prevent a second downturn.

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EPI Brief - Local government job losses hurt entire economy

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