Mayor Frank Jackson protests to state that budget plans would cost Cleveland millions

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The city of Cleveland would lose millions from its budget under proposals by Gov. John Kasich that would have Ohio take over processing of some local income tax collections and would redistribute local government funding under a new formula, Mayor Frank Jackson says.

The estimate is contained in a letter that Jackson sent this week to three Republican legislators to protest the plans. The letter also expresses opposition to reduction of top-end state income tax brackets and an increase to the sales tax - both of which are part of the governor's budget proposal.

"On behalf of the citizens of Cleveland I am writing to express opposition to the proposed FY 2018-2019 Ohio Biennial Budget," Jackson wrote. "The proposed budget includes provisions that continue to erode charter cities' 'home rule' authority, further deplete the local government fund and contribute to regressive tax shift."

Jackson sent his letter to Rep. Ryan Smith, who chairs the House Finance Committee; Rep. Tim Schaffer, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee; and Sen. Scott Oelslager, chair of the Senate Finance Committee.

Read more: http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2017/03/mayor_frank_jackson_protests_t.html