Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today offered Ohioans a realistic assessment of Ohio’s FY 2008 – FY 2009 biennial budget, the fiscal years for which Strickland must prepare his first budget. Current estimated spending levels proposed by agencies under the Taft Administration exceed available revenue growth by $1 billion to $1.5 billion.
“This budget process presents us with many challenges, but I remain fully committed to investing in Ohio’s priorities,” Strickland said. “It is clear that investment in job creation, economic development and education are key to solving our state’s continued budget problems and to moving our state forward.”
State revenues are growing slowly because of the state of the economy and because Ohio is beginning to feel the impact of House Bill 66.
Strickland said that he and the state legislature must now be prepared to live within the constraints placed on the state budget by HB 66 and the constraints of Ohio’s economic environment.
“I will work in a bipartisan fashion with the legislature to make sure our government lives within its means and invests in what really matters to Ohioans,” Strickland said.
Strickland welcomes collaboration and compromise between advocates, states employees, legislators and all Ohioans. One primary focus will be creating greater efficiency and accountability in state government.
“The state of Ohio will lead by example as we focus on cost savings, streamlining government and removing burdensome rules and procedures,” Strickland said. “We will make our government more accountable, effective and productive.”