Schiavoni, Cafaro respond to line-item veto of State Facilities Closure Review Commission
COLUMBUS
Senate Minority Leader Joe Schiavoni (D-Boardman) and Senator Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard) expressed strong disappointment with Gov. John Kasich’s line-item veto of a provision in the state budget that would have established a State Facilities Closure Review Commission.
The commission was in response to the governor’s plans to close the Youngstown Developmental Center and the Montgomery Developmental Center in Dayton.
Schiavini said: “The veto is a slap in the face to the families and dedicated employees who fought so hard to keep the developmental centers open. The residents of these facilities, who are among the most vulnerable members of our society, deserve better. The legislation establishing the commission enjoyed strong bipartisan support in the legislature because it would have ensured that everyone affected by the proposed closures would have a voice in the process. It’s a shame the Governor silenced the voices of family members, employees and the community in order to preserve his unilateral power to do whatever he wishes.”
Cafaro added: "I am deeply saddened by Governor Kasich's decision to line item veto the proposed closure commission included in the operating budget. Both the House and Senate recognized the value of having a transparent and independent commission to evaluate the fate of the two developmental centers proposed for closure, and I am disappointed that Governor Kasich evidently does not share the views of the legislature. I have worked with the families and loved ones of YDC for the past several months, listening to their fears should YDC close its doors. These individuals will be devastated that the residents of YDC will now be displaced without any recourse. Frankly, I too, share in that devastation. The residents of YDC and MDC deserved a chance to stay in what has become their homes. The closure commission would have at least given them a fighting chance, and now that has been taken away."
The State Facilities Closure Review Commission is based on Senate Bill 62—legislation introduced by Senators Schiavoni and Cafaro to create a 13-member commission consisting of legislators and representatives of state agencies, labor unions and members of the public. The review process would begin with the Governor submitting a request for closure to the Commission. The commission would have 30 days to consider the request before approving or rejecting it or making an alternative proposal.