Continued delay could place Ohio's safety net services at further risk. 

Columbus, Ohio - As Governor Strickland and Democrats in the Ohio House and Senate continue to support the 4.2% tax freeze (HB318) as a way to close the State's $851 million budget hole, Senate Republicans offer few viable alternatives and long range studies that do not guarantee cost savings at a time when more citizens are relying on safety net services.
 
"While we appreciate the Legislature reviewing all possible solutions for our State's budget shortfall, the time has come to set politics aside and do what is right for the people of Ohio," said Monica Moran, Deputy Director for Public Affairs of SEIU District 1199. "Now, more than ever, Ohioans are relying on our State's support services and continued delay could only put those programs further at risk."
 
SEIU District 1199 supports Ohio House Bill 318 which freezes income tax rates at 2008 levels, and was passed by the Ohio House earlier this month. District 1199 believes that raising additional state revenue to restore funding is the right thing to do to help the greatest number of Ohio's working families.