Gov. Strickland proposes cuts to Medicaid, Passport

The following article is linked from the Columbus Dispatch: http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/06/17/BIG_CUTS.ART_ART_06-17-09_A1_KHE70RC.html?adsec=politics&sid=101

In order to meet the $3.2 billion shortfall, the Governor has proposed cutting funds for programs that benefit low-income adults, the elderly, families with pre-school children, and other social welfare initiatives. This will inevitably lead to cuts in the government and social agencies that depend on these funds to keep operating. These are necessary services that decrease the stress upon these demographics; in the trying times that we are in, it is more important than ever to protect these particular groups of people.

Democrats have publicly stated their opposition, instead proposing to end the tax cuts enjoyed by wealthy Ohioans. This may seem unpalatable to many Republicans, but sacrifices must be made to improve the welfare of Ohioans. The longer that the State assaults the middle and lower classes, the less likely the State will be able to pull out of this economic recession, and begin to re-build. As the tax cuts will only raise the income taxes of the wealthier sections of the population, the majority of Ohioans would not suffer from the end. Rather, the added income will improve the perceived liquidity of Ohio, and will make it easier to float bonds, if the need to raise capital arises.