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Joe
Uecker
State
Representative
07/03/06
Revitalizing
Ohio’s economy through
limited spending
It
appears the plan is working.
In a recent private news service report, total
State tax receipts exceed Office of Budget Management’s
estimates by $350 million and state spending is down $585
million. If
these numbers continue, the state is on track to realize
its first surplus since 2000.
I will fight to have these revenues replenish the
dwindling budget stabilization fund (BSF), better known as
the “rainy day” fund.
This fund is mandated by law to be 5% of the
previous year’s state spending.
Previous legislatures have raided the fund to cover
soaring Medicaid costs.
Any further surplus should be returned to taxpayers
through the Income Tax Reduction Fund.
I’ll remain guardedly optimistic this will come
to pass, but I am elated of this tell-tale sign that
Ohio
’s economy is picking up, due in no small part to
several initiatives we created in
Columbus
.
The
“original plan” and priorities were set at a meeting
of the Republican Caucus shortly after we took office in
January of ’05. Several
issues were identified as utmost in importance. Among
these issues were lowering personal taxes, business tax
reform that would help to create jobs, and reforming
Medicaid. Meeting these goals was no small task, yet we
are already seeing many of the benefits brought about by
our efforts to govern in a fiscally conservative manner.
Additionally, opportunities continue to arise to allow us
to further our commitment to fiscal discipline.
Let’s
review: My colleagues and I worked hard to pass the lowest
growth state budget in more than 40 years. In addition to
exercising spending responsibility, we also passed the
largest personal income tax cut in
Ohio
history on to every Ohioan. We also worked hard to reform
many areas of state government and our efforts have
furthered our primary goal of stimulating job creation and
revitalizing
Ohio
’s economy.
The
reforms enacted by the legislature coupled with low
state-government spending are key components to turning
things around. Recognizing this, members of the House
recently passed a statutory spending cap. Specifically,
the cap limits state government spending to the greater of
3.5 percent or the rate of inflation plus population
growth and does not apply individual caps to local
governments. The limit will be in effect for next year’s
state operating budget and beyond.
We
took careful steps to ensure that this measure impacts
only State General Revenue Funds – not local government
funds. Local fire, police and emergency service levies
will not be impacted by this limit, nor will local levies
for libraries. Local road, building and bridge projects
will also be unaffected. By applying the cap to state
spending only, we have ensured that local governments will
be able to continue to provide the essential services they
offer Ohioans each and every day.
As
we continue our work in the second half of the 126th
General Assembly, we will maintain our commitment to
passing measures that will allow our economy to grow now
and for generations to come. Moreover, ensuring that
future general assemblies exercise fiscal discipline will
be an integral part of transforming and revitalizing the
economy and ultimately the future success of our state.
Joe
Uecker
State
Representative
Ohio’s
66 District
Representing
Batavia, Goshen, Miami and Union Townships as well as the
Cities of Loveland and Milford and the Villages of Batavia
and Amelia.(614)
466-8134
District
Office (513)-248-2565
Website:
www.JoeUecker.com
Email:
Joe@JoeUecker.com |
