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| Sep 02, 2011
The Ohio Society of CPAs this week announced support for State Issue 2 and urges CPAs and all Ohioans to vote YES on Nov. 8.
A “YES” vote on Issue 2 will uphold the government management reforms contained in the previously enacted Senate Bill 5. It gives Ohio government leaders at all levels greater operational flexibility and critical tools to manage costs in today’s environment of higher personnel costs and shrinking tax revenue.
“While we understand the concerns of both sides of this issue, as CPAs we are trained to look beyond the emotion and rhetoric that often surrounds a controversial matter. CPAs bring a neutral, realistic perspective to the table, which is why we felt obligated to weigh in on Issue 2,” noted OSCPA’s Chair-elect Brendan Fitzgerald, CPA.
“There’s a wide gap between the cost of government in Ohio and the public’s appetite for tax increases,” OSCPA President & CEO Clarke Price said.
“If Issue 2 is voted down, the only viable options for government at all levels, including many school districts, will be the loss of crucial positions and vital services or higher taxes. The passage of Issue 2 will save jobs by providing critical relief to government and private sector employers,” Price said
OSCPA has long been a vocal proponent of government cost control and accountability. In 2009, OSCPA’s Ohio Budget Advisory Task Force issued a public report calling for widespread reforms, several of which were later addressed in legislation that Issue 2 upholds.
OSCPA’s Executive Board voted last month to support Issue 2 because it is in the best interest of Ohio taxpayers who deserve stricter accountability for their hard-earned dollars. Issue 2 gives Ohio government leaders the authority and flexibility to make budget decisions that are in line with current fiscal realities, much like managers in Ohio businesses do every day.