CPAs take state budget reform recommendations to governor

A high-level OSCPA Budget Advisory Task Force presented a package of state budget reform recommendations to Governor Strickland on Friday. Member CPAs reviewed Ohio’s revenue generating and spending practices and developed a series of recommendations under the leadership of Matt Yuskewich, CPA task force chair.

“Just as a business must do when its expenditures are unsustainable and they are in financial distress, new approaches must be investigated for identifying even greater cost savings and efficiencies, and for identifying new ways to thrive and grow,” said Yuskewich, OSCPA executive board chair. “Everything must be on the table, from existing structures and operational silos to processes, programs and all contracts.”

Strickland was receptive to the group’s ideas and appreciated the effort made in identifying proposals across all facets of state and local government. He indicated a desire to continue discussions with OSCPA to address Ohio’s fiscal challenges.

Ohio faces an $851 million shortfall for the 2010-2011 biennium. An estimated $5 billion to $8 billion shortfall is looming for the 2012-2013 biennium. OSCPA formed the task force in response to the hole created last month through the loss of projected video lottery terminal revenue, and the recognition that Ohio policy leaders need to explore both short- and long-term strategies in order to achieve an economic turnaround in Ohio.  

The OSCPA Budget Advisory Task Force report identifies opportunities to streamline or eliminate non-essential programs, strengthen productive ones, and totally rethink current operations with an eye to what will be best for Ohio in the short- and long-terms. Recommendations focused on four broad areas:

• Efficiency and structure
• Cost reductions
• Strategic planning
• Revenue enhancement

Read the November issue of CPA Voice for a more in-depth review of the task force’s recommendations. Download a copy of the report now.

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