Columbus, OH – Governor Ted Strickland today issued the following statement in response to the introduction of legislation in the Ohio House of Representatives to protect Ohio schools from $851 million in cuts by freezing income tax rates at the 2008 level.

“I appreciate House Speaker Armond Budish’s leadership for introducing legislation that will provide for a balanced budget and provide Ohio schools the fiscal certainty they need.  Of the options available to us, I believe postponing the last part of the scheduled income tax reduction will protect our schools from destructive cuts while avoiding a sales or other tax increase on Ohio families and businesses during this recession.

“I would also like to commend the Speaker, Finance Chair Rep. Vernon Sykes, and the House Democratic Caucus for leading by example and including a proposal to reduce legislative pay in this bill.  All state employees are taking pay cuts in each of the next two years.  The people of Ohio have a right to expect their elected leadership to share in the sacrifices that so many Ohioans are making in this national recession. 

“Protecting our schools from devastating cuts is the most urgent work before us.  I look forward to working closely with Speaker Budish and Senate President Bill Harris to quickly fill the education budget shortfall.  I will sign this legislation immediately when it reaches my desk.”