Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his concerns about Ohio’s allocation of public funds to private schools, property tax reforms and potential impacts on public services.
Burga expressed alarm over the state's biennial budget, which allocated over $1 billion in taxpayer funds for private school vouchers. This significant shift of public funds away from public education raises concerns about the long-term impact on Ohio's public school system. Burga emphasized that while he supports school choice, using taxpayer money could potentially weaken public schools and other essential services.
The AFL-CIO President criticized recent attempts to change property tax structures in Ohio. Burga pointed out that these reforms were not well thought out and could severely limit services Ohioans depend on. He mentioned that Gov. DeWine vetoed three different property tax provisions, one of which the General Assembly subsequently overrode. In response to these contentious changes, the Governor created an 11-person commission to examine property tax reform, whose outcomes remain to be seen.
Burga warned about the potential impacts these reforms could have on public services in Ohio. He highlighted the ongoing struggle to achieve fair school funding, noting that Ohio has been under an unconstitutional school funding system for decades. The diversion of funds to private schools through vouchers and potential property tax changes could further strain the ability to fund public education and other essential services adequately. Burga stressed the need for a more balanced approach that strengthens public schools and maintains crucial public services rather than potentially undermining them through hasty reforms.
Tune in to the full episode for a more in-depth discussion on Ohio's budget challenges and their potential consequences for public services with Burga.
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