Schools react to Kasich’s cuts

Mar. 18, 2011, Coshocton Tribune

BY JESSICA ALAIMO

CentralOhio.com

More state money would go to education under Gov. John Kasich’s proposed budget, but it is likely many individual school districts still would have less cash to work with.

Kasich unveiled his $55.5 billion biennial budget Tuesday. Despite a 1.5 percent increase in general state aid to schools, the overall K-12 budget in his plan decreases funding by about $1.8 billion (or 15 percent) over the next two years — largely because of an $875 million loss in federal stimulus money and the accelerated phase-out of a tax on equipment.

Although critics of the budget decry these cuts as a slashing of services, proponents say that by cutting special services, more money can be put to general use, giving districts more flexibility.

The Office of Budget and Management has not yet released a district-by-district breakdown on how much each district would receive in the upcoming biennium.

Most services face trims in attempt to curtail $8 billion deficit

Mar. 16, 2011, Chillicothe Gazette

BY JESSICA ALAIMO

CentralOhio.com

In some cases, Gov. John Kasich used a steak knife, in others, a battle ax, but most state services face at least a twinge of pain under the administration’s proposed 2012 budget.

Many of these are small cuts to services and reimbursement programs.

These cuts are part of an effort to mend an $8 billion budget gap. Kasich unveiled his budget Tuesday, which included a host of cuts and structural changes. These cuts are all included in an 80-page segment of the budget titled “The Savings Book.”

401(k)-style retirement plans on the table for public employees

Mar. 11, 2011, Mansfield News Journal

BY JESSICA ALAIMO

CentralOhio.com

COLUMBUS — Ohio’s GOP legislative leaders say a 401(k)-style retirement plan may be on the table for new public employees, although it is not in the pending pension reform legislation.

The General Assembly is considering an overhaul to Ohio’s five public retirement systems. A House committee is holding hearings on the legislation.

House Speaker Bill Batchelder, R-Medina, and Senate President Tom Niehaus, R-New Richmond, say they are open to moving new hires from the current defined benefit plan to a defined contribution plan. Ohio’s legislative leadership spoke on a panel Thursday at the annual legislative session sponsored by The Associated Press.

DeWine: Ohio medical board must do more to fight prescription drug abuse

Mar. 11, 2011, Mansfield News Journal

BY JESSICA ALAIMO

CentralOhio.com

COLUMBUS — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine said the State Medical Board of Ohio has not been aggressive enough in fighting prescription drug abuse and investigating doctors who irresponsibly prescribe dangerous drugs.

DeWine said tackling prescription drug abuse will be a top priority in his administration. He addressed the issue during a seminar at The Associated Press’ annual legislative session Thursday in Columbus.

County’s growth since 2000 almost unparalleled

Mar. 10, 2011, Lancaster Eagle-Gazette

BY JESSICA ALAIMO

CentralOhio.com

LANCASTER — Fairfield County is the fourth-fastest growing county in Ohio, and has one of the lowest housing vacancy rates, according to U.S. Census data released Wednesday.

Most of this growth occurred in the communities closest to Columbus. The county had 146,156 people in 2010, a growth rate of 19 percent since 2000.

The Census Bureau counted every person in the country in 2010 collecting data on age, race and housing.

Legislation will have an affect on public workers

Mar. 9, 2011, Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum

BY JESSICA ALAIMO

CentralOhio.com

Overshadowed by the furor over proposed changes in collective bargaining laws, a small group of legislators is working on a measure that also could have a profound impact on Ohio’s public employees.

A House subcommittee is considering major changes to Ohio’s five public pension systems. Among the ideas:

❚ Increasing employee contributions.

❚ Increasing the minimum years of service and age required for a full pension.

❚ Adjusting computations for final average salary, using five highest years instead of three.

Three of Ohio’s five public pension funds lack the assets to cover 30 years of liabilities, as required by state law. If they don’t fix that, the systems must present a plan to the Legislature to bring funding back in line.

Sweet home far away from work

Mar. 6, 2011, Marion Star

BY JESSICA ALAIMO

CentralOhio.com

MARION — Jessica Abrams has a job she enjoys.

But to maintain gainful employment, she spends two hours in her car each day. She doesn’t want to move from Marion to Columbus.

The cost of living is lower where she lives, and she prefers the school system. But it puts a strain on her family.

“I don’t think I could find a job here making the kind of money that I do now, but I hope to eventually,” said Abrams, 31.

The average commute for Ohio workers has increased from 20 minutes in 1990 to 22.6 minutes in the past five years, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey.

It doesn’t sound like much on the surface, but that amounts to an additional 21 hours in the car each year.