The Buckeye Institute’s experts commented on actions taken by the Ohio Senate regarding Governor John Kasich’s vetoes in the state’s biennial budget, praising senators for letting the governor’s veto of the Medicaid managed care sales tax replacement plan stand and restoring legislative oversight to approving Medicaid spending increases, but expressing disappointment for not restoring the Healthy Ohio waiver request.
The Buckeye Institute commented on newly released unemployment data from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, saying, “Overall, the Ohio July jobs report is a sober one. While one month of data can be a statistical anomaly, policymakers should begin considering measures to increase economic opportunities in Ohio private sector.”
As the Ohio Senate prepares to return to Columbus to vote on overriding some of Governor John Kasich’s vetoes in the state’s biennial budget, The Buckeye Institute’s experts weighed-in on three critical areas—restoring the Healthy Ohio waiver request, restoring legislative oversight to approving Medicaid spending increases, and eliminating the Medicaid managed care sales tax replacement plan.
The Buckeye Institute filed an amicus brief asking the Supreme Court of the United States to take up the case Wayside Church v. Van Buren County in support of Wayside Church whose private property was taken by the county for pennies on the dollar. With similar laws as Michigan’s, the case also has implications for Ohio property owners. “When government pockets anything more than what is owed in back taxes, it is robbery and a blatant violation of the Takings Clause of the Constitution.”
The Buckeye Institute filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court of the United States in the case Husted v. A. Philip Randolph Institute, supporting Ohio’s ability to ensure the integrity of its elections. In the brief, Buckeye argues that, according to Arizona v. Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc., a law that would not allow Ohio to maintain accurate voter registries is unconstitutional. “Fair elections require states to keep their voting rolls current and accurate.”
The Buckeye Institute commented on newly released unemployment data from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. “Last month, the civilian labor force fell slightly (-0.1%) despite a small increase in the working-age population…While job growth in 2017 has slowed, Ohio is not unique, as the state’s employment picture is consistent with the rest of the US economy.”
The Buckeye Institute filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court of the United States in the case Janus v. AFSCME, supporting Mark Janus and the First Amendment. In the brief, Buckeye shows that unions can survive without compelled contributions and, alternatively, this change will lead unions to better serve their members. “Forcing employees to pay for speech with which they disagree is a violation of their First Amendment rights.”
The Ohio House overrode several of Governor John Kasich’s vetoes and The Buckeye Institute’s experts weighed-in. The House action restores legislative oversight, begins to reform Medicaid but doesn’t do enough, and misses opportunity to hold local governments accountable on spending. “By reasserting its proper oversight role, the Ohio House has sent a clear signal that it, as the elected representatives of the people, is the proper body to approve spending increases.”
The Buckeye Institute issued a statement on Governor John Kasich’s decision to veto the Medicaid freeze. “We are disappointed that Governor Kasich did not adhere to the will of the General Assembly in putting guard rails on the Medicaid expansion. His veto of the freeze guarantees that this ‘Pac-Man’ of the state budget will continue to crowd out other critical spending priorities while not ensuring those enrolled in Medicaid are getting access to the best health care.”
The Senate and House have passed the Budget Conference Committee Report and experts from The Buckeye Institute issued their reactions. “The final version of the state budget that is heading to Governor Kasich’s desk is one of the best budgets we have seen in a while in Ohio. While there could have been greater spending reductions, along with greater reform of school funding and local taxes, there was solid spending restraint and efforts to contain Medicaid spending – the ‘Pac-Man’ of Ohio’s budget.”
