We have come a long way. Thanks to you, the state budget was passed that included a fix for massive losses in sales tax revenue to transit agencies. The fix was included by Senator Matt Dolan and is known as the Dolan amendment.
No thanks to Governor Kasich, he vetoed the Dolan amendment out of the budget.
Again, thanks to you, the Ohio House met a few days later and overrode the veto with an overwhelming 87-10 majority!
But we aren’t done yet.. The Ohio Senate also has to vote to override Kasich’s veto and support the Dolan amendment.
Unfortunately, State Senators are being kept in the dark. They aren’t sure if or when a vote will happen on the Dolan Amendment.
We’ve come this far. The Senate must vote and support the Dolan amendment..
Call Senate President Larry Obhof TODAY at 614-466-7505.
- Ask him when the Dolan amendment will be voted on. Tell him you want it voted on as soon as possible.
- Ask him how thousands of Ohioans around the state are supposed to access jobs without these crucial funds.
- Finally, if you have friends or family that live in Medina County, this is his district. Please discuss this issue with them and encourage them to call.
Your action is critical. Thanks again for your help!
MORE INFO: WHY ARE TRANSIT AGENCIES LOSING MONEY?
Check out our webpage or this Plain Dealer Editorial here for more information.
Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) in Ohio pay sales tax on the health services they provide. If MCOs are removed from the sales tax base, as currently planned in the state budget, transit agencies statewide could lose nearly $40 million a year starting in 2019.
GCRTA would take the largest hit, losing over $20 million each year, with up to 10% service cuts and lay offs.
Cuyahoga County Senator Matt Dolan has proposed a fix, known as the Dolan amendment, that would replace the tax with a franchise fee paid to transit agencies through 2024. It was included in the state budget but vetoed by Governor Kasich.
A few days later, the Ohio House met and overrode Kasich’s veto by a 87-10, a huge majority! Now we need the Ohio Senate to do the same..
We are reaching out to the Senate President to ask him to override the Governor’s veto by supporting the Dolan amendment.