This month I would like to focus on and update you on two very important issues. The first is the status of the state budget and the second involves the continued concerns over the status of those affected by First Energy’s termination of the all-electric home rate.

On May 7th, the House of Representatives approved Governor Kasich’s budget proposal. I am extremely disappointed by how reckless this budget is with taxpayer dollars and its emphasis on political priorities over the long term security of Ohio.

Trumpeted by the Kasich Administration as the “Jobs Budget,” not only does it not create any jobs but the think-tank Innovation Ohio estimates as many as 51,000 jobs might be lost as a result of its provisions. Additionally, across the state, community and education leaders are deeply concerned if the bill is signed into law as currently written, they will have to go to taxpayers to increase local taxes and school levies.

I echo these concerns and that is why I voted against the bill. Now, as the budget moves into the Senate, if you share these concerns, I am asking you to call our Senator, Tim Grendell, and request he vote “no” on the budget unless changes are made that better protect our communities.

The second issue I mentioned is the all-electric home rate. For two years now, all-electric home owners and their property values have been in limbo. While I believe the rate must be restored, the PUCO continues to debate the issue with no deadline for a final decision.

I am troubled by this lack of progress and because of that recently introduced an amendment on the House floor to require First Energy to reinstate the rate and reimburse affected home owners.

Unfortunately, the amendment was soundly defeated. Even though the amendment was not accepted, this issue is still one of my top priorities and it must be resolved. My hope is the PUCO understands the importance of this issue as well and home owners will soon find relief.

The issues under discussion in Columbus are extremely important and it is essential I hear from you with your thoughts and opinions or if you have any questions. Please contact my office by phone or e-mail at (614)466-721 and District62@ohr.state.oh.us or mail to Rep. Lorraine M. Fende, 77 South High St., Columbus, Oh 43215. I look forward to hearing from you

One of the biggest jobs here at the Statehouse every two years is the state budget. That plan determines the priorities of your state government, as well as which programs and services will continue and which will be cut or eliminated.

My responsibility as we debate the budget is to protect you, and make sure the budget is not balanced on the backs of middle-class Ohioans.

After studying the proposal, I am convinced that the budget priorities would hurt middle-class families. It does not create jobs, but passes the buck on saving money in a fiscally irresponsible way. It is likely to create a situation where your local taxes may go up to make up for state cuts.

The Governor claims the budget does not raise state taxes, but Ohio’s Buckeye Institute agrees that this pass-the-buck budgeting could mean tax hikes at the local level: “Our belief is that eliminating a tax ‘here’ that pops up again over ‘there’ simply rearranges the chairs on the deck of the Titanic.”

The budget proposes to cut funding for our schools and their students by $3.1 billion. This could result in fewer teachers and larger classes for students or more school levies and higher property taxes.

According to the Ohio Association of School Business Administrators in a recent memo to Superintendents, “The $3.1 billion loss in funding cannot be absorbed without major cuts to programs and staff over the next two years. While school districts had been preparing for a reduction in state aid, the realities of this proposal are alarming. Districts will be forced to shift a bigger burden of the cost of funding their education programs to local taxpayers, while the public is being told that state funding for education is increasing.”

As the debate over the budget continues, know that I am working on your behalf so that Ohio has a spending plan that protects the middle class and helps, instead of hurts, our economic recovery.

The issues under discussion in Columbus are extremely important and it is essential I hear from you with your thoughts and opinions or if you have any questions.  Please contact my office by phone or e-mail at (614)466-721 and District62@ohr.state.oh.us or mail to Rep. Lorraine M. Fende, 77 South High St., Columbus, Oh 43215.  I look forward to hearing from you.