News & Notes August 15, 2013

Todays top budget related headlines…

Local Officials Want Funding Returned, Chillicothe Gazette

Notes: On August 14, the Ohio House of Representatives held a hearing on possible tax reform options moving forward. Many local leaders from the Chillicothe area stood up and expressed great concern about tax cuts that benefit the wealthiest Ohioans.  PAINT Valley ADAMH board testified about their budget and how state actions impact the services that they are able to provide.  We have growing needs in local communities that need state support.  As property tax revenues continue to lag for local services, the state has the capacity to invest in our future. 

Groveport Madison sets student drop-off plan after busing cut, Columbus Dispatch

Note: Groveport-Madison needs to figure out how to move additional cars in and out of their schools in the morning in a manner that will be efficient and effective as a result of cuts to bussing. Transportation funding is a major difficulty for local districts in the face of state formula changes and state budget cuts over the years.