Lakewood Senator Votes Against Advancing State Budget

LAKEWOOD, OH — On Wednesday, the Ohio Senate voted in favor of a proposed $75 billion state budget. Lakewood-based state Sen. Nickie Antonio voted against the legislation.

The biggest dispute between Democrats and Republicans on the budget were proposed reforms for public school funding in Ohio. Senate Republicans replaced a carefully crafted funding model from the House with a plan Democrats say was "slapped together."

Antonio highlighted the following differences between the House's proposal and the Senate's:

• Senate's proposal provides less on average for per-pupil funding.
• Senate proposal expands private school voucher eligibility.
• Disadvantages areas with high property wealth compared to residents’ income.
• Allows a change in one district’s property values to impact the state share for every other district in the state.

The Senate proposal would also slash funds intended to expand broadband access throughout Ohio, an effort championed by Gov. Mike DeWine. The legislation also includes a clause allowing medical officials to decline procedures based on their own moral or religious views. Antonio believes such legislation could endanger the lives of Ohioans, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community.

“My main priority throughout this budget process has been Ohio’s recovery in the aftermath of a global pandemic,” Antonio said. “Ohioans demand and deserve properly funded public schools and quality child care for their children, support for small businesses, increased resources for mental health and addiction services, as well as investment in the health of mothers and babies. As it stands, this budget under-delivers for Ohioans.”

The entire Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus voted against the Senate's proposed budget.

The Ohio House and Ohio Senate have until June 30 to remedy the discrepancies in their two proposals and agree on a unified state budget, the Columbus Dispatch noted.