A conservative think tank has issued t a list of ways it thinks Governor Mike DeWine is wasting 2.5 billion dollars in his state budget proposal. Ohio Public Radio's Karen Kasler has some highlights from the latest edition of what’s called the “Piglet Book”.
The Buckeye Institute says there’s no reason for the state to set aside 224 million dollars on high-tech Third Frontier program grants, or to spend $20 million on tourism and 3 million dollars to promote Ohio’s wine industry. The group’s Greg Lawson says the state should do only essential government functions, treat all businesses fairly and lower overall spending.
“We need to have smart, rational tax policy and we need to keep our budget on a true diet.”
The Piglet Book has recommendations for individual agencies and officeholders and also singles out 33 million for the Ohio Arts Council and 2 million for the Ohio History Connection as unneeded state expenses. It also recommends closing 1.8 billion in tax loopholes, such as credits for filmmakers, ethanol plants, grape producers and fractional jet owners.
