Democrats, unions criticize state budget

YOUNGSTOWN — Elected Democratic officials from Youngstown and Mahoning County, along with local union leaders, criticized Gov. John Kasich, a Republican, for his state budget proposal that cuts local government funding and for a bill that reduces collective-bargaining rights for public-sector employees.

The budget “is definitely the stake through the heart of working-class people,” said county Commissioner Anthony Traficanti.

The Ohio House approved the state budget — which includes a 25 percent reduction in Local Government Fund revenue to counties and communities effective July 1 and then an additional 25 percent beginning July 1, 2012 — with the Senate not yet voting on issue.

The Democrats were asked to attend today’s press conference outside city hall by We Are Ohio, a group organizing an effort to get the collective-bargaining rights bill, commonly called SB5, on the November ballot for repeal.

For the complete story, read Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com