OH AFL-CIO on education and healthcare after state budget signing

Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the recently signed state budget and its implications for workers, education and healthcare. He highlighted the continued expansion of school vouchers, Gov. Mike DeWine's line-item vetoes and potential Medicaid cuts.

Burga criticized the budget for allocating $1 billion annually to private school vouchers, arguing that these schools lack the accountability standards of public institutions. He praised Gov. DeWine for vetoing 67 items, several of which Burga believes should have been vetoed. These vetoes included proposals to expand voucher programs, restrict public school funding carryover and require partisan school board elections. However, Burga emphasized that the overall budget remains detrimental to public education, despite a recent court ruling that declared the state’s EdChoice voucher system unconstitutional.

The conversation touched on the controversial $600 million allocation for bonds for a new Cleveland Browns domed stadium, which Burga contrasted with pressing education and social services needs. He explained that this funding would come from the state's unclaimed funds, raising questions about priorities in state spending. Burga also expressed concern about a provision in the budget that would automatically trigger cuts to Ohio's Medicaid program if federal funding is reduced, potentially jeopardizing healthcare access in rural areas.

Burga stressed the ongoing challenges faced by the labor movement in Ohio, including attacks on public education and workers' rights. He reaffirmed the AFL-CIO's commitment to standing up for working people and opposing the misuse of taxpayer money, emphasizing the importance of collective action in the face of these challenges.

Tune in to the full episode above to hear more from Burga following Ohio's budget signing and its potential impact on workers and public services.