The first poll taken after Ohio Gov. John Kasich released his budget plan a week ago shows the governor with an approval rating of 30 percent and considerable dissatisfaction over his budget.
Quinnipiac University, which does polling in key states, released a poll this morning which showed that 46 percent disapprove of the way Kasich, who took office in January, is handling his job, while 30 percent approve.
Senate Bill 5, the Kasich-backed measure which would do away with collective bargaining for public employees, is not particularly popular, according to the poll. Half of the 1,384 registered Ohio voters who were surveyed March 15-21 were asked about a bill limiting “collective bargaining.” 48 percent said they opposed the bill; 41 percent said they approved.
But the other half was asked about a bill that limits “collective bargaining rights.” That changed the outcome – 54 percent said they opposed the bill, while 35 percent said they supported it.
When asked if they believe the governor’s budget proposals were fair to them, 56 percent said “unfair” and 36 percent said “fair.”
People here are pissed off at Kasich, especially here in reliably Red State Cincy. Perhaps this has something to do with it.
In an unprecedented action, Ohio Senate Transportation Committee Chair Tom Patton allowed a provision to be introduced to the latest amendment of the state’s biennial transportation budget that would “prohibit state or federal funds appropriated by the state from being used for the Cincinnati streetcar project.”
The action comes on the heels of recent news that newly elected Governor John Kasich (R) plans to strip the project of approximately $52 million in state appropriated funds. Such an action would go directly against the state’s laws and proceedings for appropriating state and federal transportation dollars, and could be subject to legal action from the City of Cincinnati.
“So if you suddenly don’t like the process established by law that has worked well for 14 years under Democrats and Republicans, you change the process,” said Ken Prendergast, executive director of All Aboard Ohio. “This is like saying we didn’t like who won the Super Bowl, so we’re going to re-write the record books.”
In other words, Kasich and his cabinet are doing everything they can to eliminate public transportation projects in Ohio. They've already killed high-speed rail, and now they are trying to strangle the Cincy streetcar project in the crib, even after voters here approved the measure.
But Kasich has a plan for Ohio jobs: Get drunk, Ohioans!
The success of Gov. John Kasich's plan to recruit new business to Ohio will hinge heavily on just how much Ohioans drink alcohol.
Kasich last week unveiled his state budget proposal, which includes a plan to lease the state's liquor distribution operation -- which of late has drawn record profits -- and use the cash to fund his private economic development machine.
Since floating the idea earlier this year, the Republican governor says there have been plenty of potential takers. In fact, Ohioans' propensity to consume more than ever, according to recent figures, has influenced the governor's idea most.
"Over the years people drink more. It's just a natural revenue stream," Kasich said last Tuesday while outlining his proposal, drawing a smattering of laughter from reporters. "So, everybody wanted to buy it. Everybody was interested in it."
Public development bad (and must be stopped by any means necessary, including apparently illegal ones), private job development companies that Kasich's the head of taking public money, good (Hey, he's a former financial lobbyist here).
You miss Ted Strickland yet, Ohio?
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