While it was good news for State of Ohio budget watchers last week with the announcement that the state budget is in the black by $651 million, the delay in implementing the state budget means some new hires and new programs will be delayed.
WOSU radio reported that the interim budget deal through July 17, while continuing to fund agency budgets, will put on hold new programs and new hires that aren’t critical.
However, agencies have indicated that many vacant OCSEA bargaining unit positions will continue to be posted and filled, including Correction Officers, Youth Specialists, Therapeutic Program Workers, LPNs and others.
Leaders of the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate have begun meeting again this week to negotiate over the sticking points that prevented a budget deal on June 30. These include: tax cuts; school takeovers and school spending; health care transparency and drug pricing; the Eastern Gateway state supplement; and PTSD coverage for first responders.