Columbus, OH – Robert Alt, president and chief executive officer of The Buckeye Institute, issued the following statement reacting to Governor Mike DeWine’s proposed budget, which represents the majority of Ohio’s overall state spending as outlined in The Buckeye Institute’s recent policy brief.

“Governor DeWine deserves credit for balancing the state budget during the pandemic, but there is still room for improvement. Now is not the time for pork spending. A government-sponsored $50 million advertising campaign should be scrapped immediately or else reallocated to relieve the small businesses that have been devastated by the shutdown orders.”

“Utilizing the state’s rainy day fund would be a better solution rather than increasing fees on essential government services at a time when most Ohioans are struggling with balancing the new realities of unexpectedly homeschooling and working simultaneously.”

“While many of the governor’s policies—particularly the workforce and broadband proposals—can help move Ohio forward, this budget proposal missed an opportunity to undertake bold reforms on taxes, spending, education, and regulations.”

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