The expansion of Medicaid, to largely able-bodied adults, has clearly cost vastly more than what state leaders initially envisioned. As Medicaid spending, the Pac-Man of the state budget, continues consuming state resources, U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R- WI) is demanding answers from the Kasich Administration on why the costs of Medicaid have blown up!
The Buckeye Institute released its latest policy brief, Building a Better Future: An Analysis of Ohio’s Tax and Spending Policies, which looks at the tax and spending policies Governor John Kasich and the Ohio General Assembly have adopted since 2013 and their impact on Ohio’s economic growth. “Contrary to the arguments levied by opponents of tax reform, this analysis shows that the tax reforms implemented by Governor Kasich and the General Assembly have led to economic growth in Ohio.”
What the heck is “The Big Give” and why should you care? In contrast to the bad news surrounding us recently with the tragedy in Vegas and the storms and earthquakes, we have a small piece of uplifting and encouraging news to share!
In the wake of several devastating natural disasters has come a greater appreciation for our ability to plug in wherever and whenever. As our focus is on those in need and without power in the wake of the recent hurricanes, as well as their families and countless volunteers, we can’t help but also think of our own families and communities here in Ohio. Although not faced with any major natural disasters recently, many Ohioans still worry about keeping the power on, as we face uncertain price hikes due to subsidies meant to ‘save’ several failing coal and nuclear power plants.
The Buckeye Institute testified before the Ohio House Public Utilities Committee on the proposed bailout for the Ohio Valley Electric Corporation that is outlined in House Bill 239. When governments intervene in the energy market, or any business, policymakers allow for unfair advantages at taxpayer expense, and energy companies that do not receive the benefits of a government bailout are often unable to offer their services competitively.”
The United States Supreme Court agreed to hear Janus v. AFSCME, which The Buckeye Institute asked the court to take up in its amicus brief, supporting Mark Janus and the First Amendment. In its brief, Buckeye showed that unions can survive without compelled contributions and, alternatively, that this change will lead unions to better serve their members. “Forcing employees to pay for speech with which they disagree and forcing them to pay fees to a union in order to keep their jobs is unjust and unconstitutional.”
When something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. That is especially so when images of free dollars are floating in front of politicians’ eyes! Hopefully, this is a lesson that will be learned by most Ohio elected officials after the affair concerning the Medicaid managed care organization (MCO) sales tax fiasco.
The Buckeye Institute issued a statement on the Reagan Tokes Act, which would move Ohio away from determinate sentencing and move toward indeterminate sentencing for certain offenses. “Incentives matter, and the Regan Tokes Act takes a step in the right direction in keeping dangerous criminals in prison longer and incentivizing inmates to get the rehabilitation and training necessary to become contributing members of society upon release.”
Today, the Tax Foundation released a new report that delves deeply into Ohio’s commercial activities tax, or CAT, its history and its mechanics. This is the second report from the Tax Foundation that focuses on Ohio. Earlier this year, The Buckeye Institute partnered with the foundation to release Ohio Illustrated: A Visual Guide to Taxers and the Economy. This book shows Ohio policymakers, as well as regular Ohioans, how the state’s overall tax system operates in an easy to understand format – not something easily done when talking about taxes!
