Kasich’s leaner state government slashes nearly 3,000 jobs

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

Ohio’s government continues to shrink under Gov. John Kasich, continuing a trend of declining public-sector employment.

An analysis by The Columbus Dispatch in its Sunday editions shows that employment throughout state government fell by 2,958 workers to 56,875 — a 5 percent drop.

Kasich ordered a leaner government when he took office in January, but taxpayer-funded jobs had already been declining under Democrat and then-Gov. Ted Strickland.

Less tax income has required the state to tighten its belt each year, and the two-year $55.8 billion budget signed in June will require state agencies to make cuts, if they haven’t been already.

Kasich says he thinks a smaller government benefits taxpayers.

However, the director of the state’s Civil Rights Commission says services will suffer if the department takes any more cuts.