Governor Strickland, President Harris, Speaker Budish, Leader Cafaro, and Leader Batcheldor :

I urge you not to approve a budget with massive tax increases disguised as fees, because Ohioans understand that FEES ARE TAXES.

One time federal “stimulus” funds come with strings attached and will result in excessive spending for years to come -- spending for which there is no Ohio -based revenue . This will cause our state to be even more dependent on the federal government.

It’s time for Ohio’s government to balance its budget and live within its means, just as Ohio’s citizens do.

I urge you to think of Ohio's long term financial future and refrain from adding fees to the state budget.