Ohio FOP president backs Strickland

For Immediate Release:
September 16, 2010

Contact:
Allison Kolodziej, Press Secretary
(614) 558-8120 (cell)

Lis Smith, Communications Director
(614) 545-6840 ext 122 (office)
(224) 567-9062 (cell)

Ohio FOP President: Congressman Kasich's Tax Plan Would Increase Taxes or Force Public Safety Layoffs

LIMA - Today, Ohio Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) President Jay McDonald hosted a press conference in Lima to highlight how Congressman John Kasich's tax plan for Ohio would force local tax increases or lead to layoffs in public safety departments.

"Congressman Kasich's tax plan for Ohio would continue the damage he wreaked on the state during his time in Washington and on Wall Street," said McDonald. "Similar to how Kasich's support  of outsourcing through unfair trade deals like NAFTA led to hundreds of thousands of layoffs in Ohio, his tax plan would force layoffs in our schools, and just as alarmingly, our police and fire departments."

"The FOP opposed the reckless tax plan contained in House Bill 400, a plan mirroring Congressman Kasich's, while it was debated in the Ohio House of Representatives.  We will continue to help voters understand the devastating implications of Kasich's plan through November," McDonald continued.

Congressman Kasich's reckless plans for Ohio's tax structure would cut more than $12 billion from the state budget and give bigger tax breaks to the wealthiest Ohioans.  Allen County would suffer losses of over $2 million in public services and $21 million in school funding.  [Legislative Service Commission, 12/30/09, 1/15/10] 

"Just like businesses throughout Ohio, local police and fire departments have been looking at every budget item and finding ways to cut costs while making sure that our communities stay protected," McDonald said.  "Congressman Kasich's budget plan would force communities to raise local income and property taxes just to maintain the bare minimum of public safety services and we believe that public safety should not be compromised by an election year gimmick."

The Ohio FOP endorsed Governor Ted Strickland for re-election on July 20, citing his commitment to public safety and maintaining law enforcement jobs.  McDonald noted that in contrast to Congressman Kasich, Ted Strickland has worked hand-in-hand with local police and fire departments to create and retain jobs, and keep our communities safe with the strategic use of funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. [HB 119, 6/30/2007; HB1, 7/17/2009; http://www.ocjs.ohio.gov/]

"Ohioans have been well served by Governor Strickland in the last four years.  His commitment to law enforcement has been unmatched, and the FOP urges our fellow citizens to vote for Ted Strickland in November."  McDonald said.