Ohio unions today praised Gov. John Kasich for a budget that includes nearly $2.4 billion for state construction and maintenance projects for a number of community, school, park and prison projects that will mean tens of thousands of jobs for Ohioans.
“The Governor’s budget will help Ohio workers significantly,” said Pat Sink, Ohio’s IUOE Local 18 business manager. “Although we don’t always see eye to eye with the Governor, we’re enthusiastic about a budget that will benefit Ohioans.”
Administration estimates currently project 31,000 jobs would be created over several years as a result of the bill.
WKBN 27 reports the bill directs $675 million towards primary and secondary schools and $450 million towards public colleges and universities for repairs, renovations and new buildings. Another $574 million is allotted for maintenance, renovation and cost-saving projects at state-owned facilities such as parks and prisons.
Containing funding for local projects for the first time in six years, Kasich’s budget also includes $369 million for road, bridge sewer and other infrastructure, as well as $100 million going to the Clean Ohio green space preservation program.
Despite the optimistic outlook, Ohio labor supporters continue to remain guarded about Right to Work initiatives remaining on the GOP radar.
“Even though I’m content to see the Governor take steps towards benefitting workers, no one should think for a second that this means the fight for worker’s rights is over,” said Sink.
Opponents of the recent Ohio Right to Work efforts, sometimes called “Workplace Freedom,” contend that the initiative’s true purpose is to kill unions and worker protections, ultimately leading to a weaker middle class. By stripping workers of their rights and freedoms, business owners would be free to lower worker pay, reduce worker benefits and ignore worker rights.
In their unrelenting war on workers, whether Republicans embrace “Paycheck Protection,” “Workplace Freedom,” or other Right to Work tactics, opponents in Ohio say they are determined to ensure the public knows the underlying nature behind the GOP’s divisive agenda.
For more information about Right to Work, please visit www.protectohiosmiddleclass.org
SOURCE: Keep Ohio's Heritage
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