DEAR EDITOR:

An open letter to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine:

Well, it’s time to finalize the budget. But, perhaps not! Since the Republican supermajority ignores the Constitution every chance they get, why not do the same? Ignore the constitutional June 30 deadline and send the whole thing back to the Legislature! Novel, eh? You’d be off the hook for a while!

But, seeing as that is not likely, and in lieu of simply saying the entire budget sucks and does NOTHING but continue to restrict EVERY aspect of Ohioans’ lives, I list my major concerns:

• FUND PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NOT A STADIUM that the Haslams can well afford themselves.

• DO NOT PUNISH PUBLIC SCHOOLS for carrying over more than 40% of their budget.

• Eliminate any and all items that victimize and endanger the LGBTQ+ community.

• FUND PUBLIC LIBRARIES to the fullest extent.

• DO NOT ALLOW D/R POLITICAL AFFILIATIONS on the ballot for Any office not already so mandated- e.g Ohio Supreme Court).

• SAVE MEDICAID EXPANSION.

• SAVE H2O OHIO, ELIMINATE FRACKING ON ALL PUBLIC LANDS.

That’s my short list.

It would be nice if the Republican supermajority could just pass ONE bill that actually helps Ohioans. We’re waiting, and our patience is running thin.

THE REV. JAN L. DOUGLASS

New Waterford