Breaking Down The New Ohio Biennial Budget
We're diving into the Ohio budget bill – a big deal that affects all Ohioans. Buckle up as we explore some of the major changes and what they mean for you. From education policy to tax cuts and more, let's break it down in plain English. So, let's get started!
One of the most significant changes in the budget bill is the restructuring of education policy. The partially elected, partially appointed state board of education will now have limited power over teacher licensing and district borders. The remaining authority will shift to a cabinet-level Tsar of education within the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. This move gives the governor more control over educational policies. While this change comes with a billion-dollar increase in public school funding, it raises questions about the effectiveness of a single person in such a crucial role.
History hasn't been kind to the concept of a Tsar. Whether it's the drug Tsar or any other role, the idea of one person holding immense power has rarely proven successful. Even if we assume the best-case scenario and have an extraordinary individual in charge, what happens when they're gone? The next person won't possess the same capabilities, making it an impossible task. Instead, empowering local communities to make decisions about education, economy, and more seems like a more logical approach. After all, who knows their needs better than the people living there?
The budget bill also sheds light on the increasing prevalence of an entitlement society. Over 50% of Americans receive some form of monthly check, be it social security or other benefits. This shift in mindset towards more socialist government policies has come a long way since John F. Kennedy's famous quote, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." While these safety nets were initially intended to help those in need, they have now grown to unsustainable levels, pushing our nation towards bankruptcy.
The education system is undergoing significant changes in Ohio, and it's important for us to understand how these changes might impact students, parents, and the overall education landscape.
One of the major concerns is the diminishing opportunity for public input in education policy. Previously, the public could voice their opinions and concerns directly to the state board of education. However, with the recent changes, the state board's powers have been reduced to just licensure and other basic functions. This means citizens will have to rely on appointments with the director of the Department of Education, which may limit their ability to address and redress education policies effectively.
Renowned economist Thomas Sowell offers invaluable insights into fixing education in inner city areas. Sowell emphasizes the importance of school choice, stating that it just makes perfect common sense. By giving parents the power to choose the best schools for their children, we can pave the way for meaningful change. Sowell's argument resonates because it focuses on empowering families and giving them the tools they need.
Have you ever wondered how the government funds the maintenance and construction of roads? Well, it turns out that a significant portion of the revenue comes from fuel taxes. Recently, there has been a lot of discussion about the future of these taxes, particularly with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs).
In today's ever-evolving work landscape, the concept of remote work has gained significant traction. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this shift, forcing many businesses to adapt quickly. While working from home offers undeniable benefits, such as the flexibility to juggle personal and professional responsibilities, it also raises concerns about productivity and fairness.
In recent news, there have been two controversial cases that have sparked public debate and scrutiny. The first involves Governor DeWine's decision to veto a measure that would ban universities and colleges from mandating vaccines. The second case revolves around a plea agreement made by Hunter Biden, which raised eyebrows due to a questionable clause.
So, here's the deal. In most cases, plea agreements are clearly spelled out in writing, leaving no room for confusion. But Hunter Biden's situation is a bit unusual. They had a plea agreement, but some details were only mentioned in a separate diversion agreement.
Budget and Planning | Office of Budget and Management
Stephen Palmer is the Managing Partner for the law firm, Palmer Legal Defense. He has specialized almost exclusively in criminal defense for over 26 years. Steve is also a partner in Criminal Defense Consultants, a firm focused wholly on helping criminal defense attorneys design winning strategies for their clients.
Norm Murdock is an automobile racing driver and owner of a high-performance and restoration car parts company. He earned undergraduate degrees in literature and journalism and graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1985. He worked in the IT industry for two years before launching a career in government relations in Columbus, Ohio. Norm has assisted clients in the Transportation, Education, Healthcare, and Public Infrastructure sectors.
Brett Johnson is an award-winning podcast consultant and small business owner for nearly 10 years, leaving a long career in radio. He is passionate about helping small businesses tell their story through podcasts, and he believes podcasting is a great opportunity for different voices to speak and be heard.
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