Zanesville Republican addresses budget questions, concerns
by Z. Daniel Barnett - Published: February 28, 2013
Guernsey County residents gathered to share their concerns with Sen. Troy Balderson on Thursday afternoon.Sen. Balderson, a Zanesville Republican, said that many aspects of House Bill 59 - Gov. John Kasich's $63.2 billion, two-year spending plan - are "very challenging." Balderson fielded questions on what he sees as the four biggest points of the new budget: broadening the sales tax, education funding, the Medicaid expansion, and a hike in the oil/gas drilling severance tax.
Several concerned citizens said that the restructuring of Ohio's sales tax would be a "nightmare" for municipalities and businesses alike. Two members of the Guernsey County Fair Board noted that it could mean an end to county fairs throughout Ohio. Balderson noted that many state lawmakers are equally concerned. He cited the example of Florida, which implemented a similar system several years ago, only to repeal it six months later.
Others voiced their concerns about Kasich's new school funding plan, which promised increases for poor, rural districts. Balderson said that throughout his district, many superintendents were frustrated with being promised one thing, but receiving funding figures that told a different story. He said he plans to meet with area school treasurers next Friday, and take their fiscal concerns to the Senate floor.
Balderson also addressed Gov. Kasich's proposed Medicaid expansion, which he called a "gamechanger" for mental and elderly health services in Ohio. Balderson said that one of lawmakers' biggest concerns is whether Ohio could back out of the expansion if the federal government doesn't pay for as much of the program as promised. He said that several senators and representatives are consulting with constitutional law scholars to examine all options.
Sen. Balderson also said that he's opposed to Kasich's proposed drilling severance tax hike. He echoed what many eastern Ohio residents have said: that the oil/gas exploration boom is the biggest thing to happen to Appalachian Ohio in 100 years, and that lawmakers shouldn't stunt the economic opportunity with needless taxation.
At the end of the town hall-style meeting, Balderson thanked those in attendance for their thoughtful comments, and encouraged his constituents to contact his office with questions and concerns.
