1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

This budget proposal threatens to undermine public education in Ohio. Redistributing school district reserves as property tax relief is misguided and harmful to students. Cash reserves are essential for districts to manage fluctuations in funding, cover unexpected costs, and invest in educational improvements. Raiding these funds will force cuts that directly impact classroom resources and student services. Furthermore, increasing funding for private school vouchers and education savings accounts diverts desperately needed money away from public schools. At a time when districts across the state struggle with tight budgets, this redirection of funds is unacceptable. Public dollars should remain dedicated to supporting the public education system that serves the vast majority of Ohio's children. We cannot allow this damaging budget to move forward. It sacrifices educational quality and equity at the altar of tax cuts. Ohio's students deserve better than to have their futures compromised by shortsighted fiscal policies. I urge you to reject this proposal and instead increase equitable funding to strengthen all public schools in our state. An investment in education pays dividends for all Ohioans.