By Retired Firefighter

July 28, 2011 6:54 PM | Link to this

You people just keep backing the Unions. The Governor should go ahead and do as he said he would have to do and that is lay off 13,000 people. See what your Unions will do for you then

By Leslie

July 25, 2011 4:08 PM | Link to this

Who really believes the stupid cr**p the left spews? Republicans are on a mission to destroy the middle class. That is just a stupid statement. Republicans only take care of those who vote them in, rich people. Another stupid statement. If only rich people vote for republicans, then half the country is rich. Half the country pays no taxes, half the country is rich. Well then I guess it is pretty clear republicans pay taxes and democrats don’t. That sums up all the stupid propaganda the left spreads.

By txguy

July 25, 2011 10:36 AM | Link to this

I think for sure you guys need to repeal this law. All the republicians want to due is crush the middle class and give big tax breaks to millionaires. Look what Boehner said he will not raise taxes on the american people. Tell him to quit lying and tell the truth, he dont want to raise the taxes on the peploe that got him elected. Everyone talks about Texas economy being good because of the no union and all republicians in charge. It is terrible. We have some of the worst health care of the 50 states and yes we have a big budget short fall and that is after Govt idiot Perry cutting schools severly. The republicians are on a mission to eliminate the middle class. I am voting Democratic this time just for this reason. The Republicians showed who they are supporting starting in Wisconsin. I cannot believe that John Boehner continually gets voted in, but then I looked at the map for his district and all the newpapers in all the small towns in his district are the same owner probably News OF the World. Good luck OHIO and keep up the fight.

By Originalthought(really?)

July 25, 2011 10:00 AM | Link to this

The VAST majority of You, if not ALL of You are maxed out on Your credit cards, have @ one time declared bankruptcy, lost your houses, boats, fancy cars, big screen TV’s, paid for that breast enhancement w/ Your kids’ child support outlays, have defaulted time after time after time, (while repeating the “Its not MY fault” lie to rationalize Your fiscal failures) now You jerkwater Podunctfield Ohio twofaced COWARDS want to tell everyone how to run a budget!?, You curlysquirrled idiots can’t be trusted with simple traffic laws, let alone ANYTHING meaningful besides screaming at each other & complaining like the spoiled rotten little slugs You’ve devolved into. You give Slugs a bad name

By Itworked Inwisconsin

July 25, 2011 12:56 AM | Link to this

These reforms worked in Wisconsin and they will work here as well!

By Hmmmm

July 24, 2011 9:53 AM | Link to this

Jay, I think you will find that you have put your money on the wrong horse.

By JAY

July 24, 2011 8:57 AM | Link to this

The Demon’s in this comment section,all two of them (with five different Names)Don’t stand a chance against Sguirrellygirl’s Intellect and the ability to understand RIGHT from WRONG.SB5 will pass Because the Normal thinking(Not Union koolaid Drinkers)Citizens of OHIO Know whats best for the state,and It’s not the Union’s.VOTE YES ON SB5 but NO On Obama.

By Polly

July 23, 2011 2:05 PM | Link to this

Well, Squirrelly, do you think a News Corp sponsored poll is going to point out the truth that SB5 is going to make certain college degrees as worthless as the paper they’re printed on? Yes, the sky IS blue, Squirrelly!

By Squirrellygirl

July 22, 2011 1:47 PM | Link to this

what report was that, middle class? I guarantee it was left wing rag media pushing their redistribution propaganda.

By Squirrellygirl

July 22, 2011 1:40 PM | Link to this

1 - I never said anywhere that public workers don’t pay taxes 2 - Private sector workers know that the public sector workers need to catch up on paying their fair share of benefits. Also, the private sector has had to take wage cuts as well. Public sector needs to catch up on that, also. I’m sure there is plenty of propaganda out there by the left wing (most of the media, that is) that is trying to scare people into believing that SB-5 is against public workers. All it does is level the playing field. The unions are on their way out. They have no place in the public sector, and they have ruined jobs for the private sector. Bye bye, Unions!

By middle class?

July 22, 2011 9:28 AM | Link to this

Just read in a new report that SB5 would take teachers, firemen and cops out of the middle class. So people with a bachelor degree and master degree won’t be in the middle class? That is sad!

By Cat Slobber

July 22, 2011 9:20 AM | Link to this

@Squirrelly, Health Insurance Premiums have more than doubled in the last 10 years and that has NOTHING to do with Obama Care. Please don’t make stupid comments on things you obviously know nothing about. I’ve worked in HealthCare for more than 25 years and it’s the Insurance Companies and large HealthCare Systems that are making the cash. Idiots like “Hannity” will say but they’re only making 4% - 7% profit. Yup, but what is 4% of 10 billion dollars???? It’s way more profit in one year than most companies will see in 10 years. That’s where reform needs to start….

By Squirrellygirl

July 22, 2011 9:01 AM | Link to this

Mr. Grover, I am not making 6 figures salary. It’s lower mid 5 figures, and that is typical for private sector jobs now. Health insurance has gone up due to the impending doom of a fiasco Obamacare bill. In addition, when our contracts are negotiated it’s very possible our salaries could be reduced by 1/3. Another contractor told me it happened to her. If that happens to me, I might have to look for another job just so I can pay my bills. Can’t pay them on my salary minus one third. Could you? Eye opener, huh? That’s why you public sector workers have some catching up to do with the private sector.

By Government Worker

July 22, 2011 8:47 AM | Link to this

I am one of the few honest, objective government workers willing to say we are generally overpaid and spoiled when it comes to benefits. I have worked both private sector and public sector. The public sector pay and benefits are nice, but they are also selfish, short-sighted and UNSUSTAINABLE!!! KEEP SB 5, AND GOD BLESS GOV. KASICH!!!

By Originalthought(really?)

July 22, 2011 8:40 AM | Link to this

I finally get it! Here’s the answer! EVERY billionaire & millionaire in this Country “creates” jobs, right?, so We give ALL of them a SIX figure taxpayer funded bonus! Its’ the LEAST We can do, since they are the ONLY ones who can save Us! Then, We privatize ALL of the “socialistic” public service groups! Goes like this: “911, state the nature of Your emergency…My house is burning down w/ my family trapped, please help Us!…OK, calm down, Sir…we have a basic service thats only 1995.00 per truck, but we have a special running right now, 2 trucks for only 3295.00! If You place an order now, we’ll give You 50% off the 500.00 rush fee & throw in a paramedic unit for 195.00..all we need is Your credit card #, three verifiable references, & we’ll make it all go away! Now then…let’s work a deal, teaching those “socialist kids of Yours!

By null

July 22, 2011 7:55 AM | Link to this

squirrley instead of complaining about insurance why dont you get the AMA to cut dr & hospital fee’s so maybe the people of america can afford some other luxeries?

By Bertram Grover

July 21, 2011 11:50 PM | Link to this

SG pays 25% towards healthcare and probably makes over 6 figures.

By Andy

July 21, 2011 10:30 PM | Link to this

Anyone find it ironic that much of this discussion revolves around health insurance. Guess how the US stands apart from other developed nations in that regard? It’s privatized! I thought there was a trade-off between public/private the benefits (public) vs. pay (private)? If our society values teachers so little as to not allow them good benefits with a 45k a year salary (which is on the high end from many of the new teachers I know), what does that say about us as a country? It sounds like many people on this board believe middle-class Americans should accept Chinese and Indian working conditions in order to balance the budget. When really all these new budgets are doing is allowing a greater disparity in wealth distribution, towards the top…

By philman

July 21, 2011 9:47 PM | Link to this

I hope Kasich makes Ohio a Right to work State, those are where the jobs are going, Boeing is trying to build a plant in South Carolina, but Obama and his union Thugs are fighting it, that is 1500 good paying jobs on hold because of Union A$$ kissing Democrats, unions hold way to much Power, time to Take back America for the families, not the democrat party who reaps 90% of the contributions.

By stangbanger

July 21, 2011 9:08 PM | Link to this

SB 5 does nothing for the budget.I will vote to repeal sb5 and I will not vote for kasich again.

By Worker

July 21, 2011 8:53 PM | Link to this

I really am confused here. I’m a “fat cat” public worker. My healthcare deductible is 6K, I pay 10% of my gross into a fairly weak retirement and haven’t received a raise in over 3 years. Everything mentioned above was awarded to my local government by the arbitrator. They did fact finding and realized the city could not afford anything more. Fair enough…I just don’t understand why people against these public unions can’t do a little research and see the recent contracts have been heavily in the employers favor…as per the arbitrator. All these contracts are public record, so look them up. The union is really just a way to keep things somewhat balanced. The private sector balances it’s self. Employer A doesn’t want to lose employees to Employer B; therefore, Employer A offers pay and benefits to retain employees. Sorta like free market stuff. Most police and fire agencies are right in line on all that, so it really isn’t apples and apples. And for the record, where are social program cuts in the new budget? Just asking.

By dday

July 21, 2011 8:03 PM | Link to this

I will vote to repeal sb5. If the law passes I think it will lead to more law suit against township,citys,county and the state gov. What really needs to be done in local goverment is end the nepotism in hiring and promoting of family and friends. The supervisors need to be held more accountable for the dicision they make.The rehiring of management after they retire(double dipping) should be out lawed.No union gov. employee I know of is aloud to double dip.Nothing in sb 5 address the real problems.If kasich really cared he go after all this.

By Facts

July 21, 2011 7:32 PM | Link to this

Do you understand that teachers, firefighters, and policemen pay taxes within their paycheck that pays themselves? I know of no other sector job is that way.

By Imagine that

July 21, 2011 6:59 PM | Link to this

Is senate bill 5 the same one that make it easier to fire useless employees such as the DAYTON EXCOP Pat Bucci for beating a man who in an auto accident. what about the supervisor who covered it up and was demoted and not fired. I guess he wasnt fired because his father in law is the sherrif phil plummber. Its funny how Plummbers friend anf family program is still strongly ineffect. I hope the passage of this bill puts and end to this stuff.

By Terry

July 21, 2011 6:49 PM | Link to this

@basil; your argument that “firemen are everything,and walk on water” does not cover the fact that they screwed the city of xenia and its taxpayers. So find a real excuse. I am sure you are fine with taking money you did not earn , but I am not. Your scamming of money on the pretense of “were firemen, we deserve what ever we want ” is very worn out. If you dont like your job, FIND ANOTHER. scam artists are known to pose as public workers also…..so eat s::t , you thief…

By County Government employee

July 21, 2011 6:31 PM | Link to this

I work for a county government agency and it makes me sick when people say that we don’t deserve our benefits. We serve the public, pay taxes, give to OPERS, and see no other rewards. I don’t get bonuses, or raises, or gifts. People who diss government workers are jealous haters who were probably turned down for a government job and are bitter.

By Basil

July 21, 2011 6:21 PM | Link to this

Someone referenced the city of Xenia. Yes! The city of Xenia has shown its stupidity once again in not being able to read the language of a collective bargaining agreement. How could you be against firemen?

By David from london ohio

July 21, 2011 5:49 PM | Link to this

The govenor has repetedly told his plan to a close circle of buisness friends. He has said” I am probably going to be a one term govenor . Therefor I am trying to lean the laws in my favor for when i leave the state house, my consulting firm will be a moneymaking machine right here in good old Ohio”. I dont work in the public sector but can honestly say that the govenor has personal wealth on his mind . Sounds like he never left wall street to me….

By citizen

July 21, 2011 5:36 PM | Link to this

If Kasich is so good, why is his approval rating 30%? SG, how much is your deductible? Ours is $6000, plus a fairly high cost per pay. A portion of pay also has to go into our HSA account to pay the deductible. That, plus the money paid into pension, no raise for 8 years, and a large pay cut, on top of all the taxes paid, doesn’t leave much of a check. As a contractor for the govt. I’ve got a pretty good idea you make more than any public employee. And you can’t tell us you’re doing all that posting on your breaks. Waste of govt. money right there.

By Nevins

July 21, 2011 5:34 PM | Link to this

After seeing that the firefighters in xenia are getting back pay for OVERTIME NOT WORKED, my vote will be to support the senate bill 5. Do you think I am really going to vote for something that has created the monster in xenia. OVERTIME NOT PAID is a slap in the face to me as taxpayer. SAY NO TO THE REPEAL

By no for SB5

July 21, 2011 5:12 PM | Link to this

Many of you on here have a real problem with teachers. We all had a choice as to which career field we would take. Don’t knock teachers for going their way. You could have been a teacher as well, but you decided to go a different route. Worry about your own life and stay out of mine! I will be voting NO on this issue!

By HR676

July 21, 2011 5:04 PM | Link to this

I will vote to repeal SB5 when public workers join together for single payer health care so we all can have health care.

By Hmmmmm

July 21, 2011 4:45 PM | Link to this

Squirrellygirl sure does seem to get a lot of breaks—-Me, I get two 10 minute breaks and a half hour unpaid lunch. By the time I turn my phone on, use the bathroom and get a drink of water break is OVER.

By Barb

July 21, 2011 4:27 PM | Link to this

My sister is a school teacher..she said her insurance always pays Everything…..must be nice…..and what do they pay monthly….maybe $50.00…..It needs to change.

By corrections officer

July 21, 2011 4:27 PM | Link to this

Squirrellygirl, are you suggesting that public employees don’t pay taxes? You are even more uninformed than I originally believed. But there is no reason to get angry here. The people will speak on Nov. 8th. We will see where the opposition lies.

By ReformTime

July 21, 2011 4:15 PM | Link to this

Regardless of what happens to SB5, there must be reform in Ohio and accross the country on how we do business with unions. Unions aren’t bad, people give them a bad name. For example, the firefighters in West Chester bargained for ice machines a couple of years back. They had nothing else to bargain for, and they had to get something in addition to their guaranteed health plans. Collective bargaining in Ohio for many means bargain to collect. The conditions of employment in the contracts must be reasonable in the future or the legacy costs of the contracts will continue to break the bank as they have in the union strong communities of NE Ohio and the inner cities. Take a look at those cities. They are losing residents every year. Dayton union employees fought all the way through the court system so they wouldn’t have to live in the city they work. We either reform, or we continue to breed resentment that will bring the passage of levies to a devestating halt.

By mike

July 21, 2011 4:03 PM | Link to this

There are plenty of ways to balance a budget. SB5 is just a cheap shot at an easy target. We’ll be voting to repeal SB5

By Squirrellygirl

July 21, 2011 4:00 PM | Link to this

What is your real name, worker? How many different names do you blog under? Are you at work right now, worker? I can blog at work during my breaks. You can’t stand it that there is all this opposition to your unions stealing from taxpayers, can you? Too bad.

By corrections officer

July 21, 2011 3:54 PM | Link to this

Oh come on squirrellygirl! There are lazy people everywhere. I’ve worked for a contractor before as well as other buisnesses. To assume all gov’t employees are lazy is just plain ignorant on your part. You chose your career. If you aren’t happy then I suggest you change to something that does make you happy. Plenty of us gov’t employees earn our pay plus some. The same in the private sector.

By worker

July 21, 2011 3:52 PM | Link to this

I read these comments and their is a lot of hate for unions. Get over it. Everyone is responsible for their own lives. Squirley Girl, you must have plenty of time on your hands. Your employer aware of the time you are wasting on this site?

By misled

July 21, 2011 3:44 PM | Link to this

I believe we all had the same opportunities to pick our careers right? Those of you in the “private sector” have no problem expecting that firefighter to run in a burning home to save your dog or the police officer to arrest the armed robber that scared you to death. What about the terrific people that teach your children to prepare them for life. I guess we should also be responsible for rescuing the state’s financial crisis. Of course Kasich wants to strengthen the private sector. he came from wall st. and that’s where he plans on making his fortune after his one term!

By Squirrellygirl

July 21, 2011 3:42 PM | Link to this

BTW, that 25% of my salary that I would have to pay for the better insurance that I can’t afford…that is for self only, not for family. That’s how expensive our insurance is NOW since Obamacare started influencing the insurance market. I thought insurance was supposed to go down under Obamacare…but the opposite is happening and Obamacare hasn’t even kicked in yet…I’m sure it will only get worse. Also good to know….I’m a contractor for the Government, and I see everyday government workers making way more than the private sector, and they get lots of benefits you may not know about. You know all those days when the base closes or when it opens late or closes early due to hazardous weather? I have to use my vacation time because they won’t pay me on those days. Government workers and some contractors who have better contracts get paid for those days. I used almost an entire week of my 2 weeks vacation just to get paid for when the base closed all those times. And they get stuff like Early Departure (59 minutes) but contractors have to stay at work. These are just a couple of examples of WASTE and ABUSE in our government. Meanwhile, I smile because I know I have to be chipper or I’d lose my job. You see, contractors can get “let go” in a moment’s notice, while government personnel who are lazy are kept on. I see it every day.

By tiredofit.

July 21, 2011 3:35 PM | Link to this

i will vote to repeal SB5

By fastwillys

July 21, 2011 3:15 PM | Link to this

SG, My advise to you is to get a better job with a credible employer and maybe you too can have better benifits. A friend of mine is a retired teacher and now pays $575.00 per month for his medical insurance that covers nothing, not family, just himself. I worked in the private sector for 42 years and not only had excellent medical when I worked but also upon my retirement until I reached 65. Then I went on medicare and the company pays me $200.00 per month to help with the additional costs of part D and supplemental insurance. Don’t touch my medicare or social security. I worked very hard for it and I WILL KEEP IT.

By Kasich is the answer

July 21, 2011 3:14 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand what the fuss is all about - I don’t have a union to negotiate my benefits, so why should anyone else? And furthermore, why are public workers’ benefits so much more important than my own? There is not one public sector job that is more important or needed than mine, and all the bending to the unions have caused this country and state to fail. Kasich is making a dramatic difference here. SB5 will pass - there are too many people like me in this state who support it.

By Squirrellygirl

July 21, 2011 3:11 PM | Link to this

“Nothing in this lengthy bill says anything about creating jobs.” Why do YOU think jobs left Ohio? Could it have been the hefty taxes or overregulation that Ohio put on businesses under Stricknine? How about our deficit, which either required cuts in spending or raising Ohio taxes, which are already way too high? Nowhere do you see the words “drive businesses away”, but the Democrat policies certain did the dirty work. Can you comprehend that our state getting out of the red and not raising taxes on businesses and workers/citizens of Ohio means there is more money for businesses to hire or keep employees, and money in the pocket of citizens to spend in the market to keep businesses open? Can you understand that concept? Do you see now how Kasich’s getting Ohio out of the red and not raising taxes has helped and not hurt Ohio? Can you see where these policies have already made Ohio more business friendly, a place that will draw businesses here instead of make them leave?

By toshibe

July 21, 2011 2:59 PM | Link to this

we are still in the RED!

By Squirrellygirl

July 21, 2011 2:56 PM | Link to this

Read it again. “Ohio’s credit-rating outlook last week from “negative” to “ stable,” citing the “state’s progress in restoring structural budget balance through fiscal 2013 and the modest economic recovery under way.” Didn’t Kasich actions cause the state’s progress in restoring structural budget balance through fiscal 2013? I’m pretty sure this is because of Kasich. Stricknine only knew how to turn a surplus into a deficit. Stricknine only knew how to spend money we didn’t have on unnecessary special interest projects, like trains we can’t fully utilize or stuff like recycling bins with microchips in them to measure how much we recycle. Special interest, community organizing, sending our tax money for stuff the workers in this state can’t use or can’t access. Good riddance to Mr. Stricknine.

By Joe

July 21, 2011 2:48 PM | Link to this

I agree if this repealed we will be in the red again. I think its interesting private people take pay cuts and reduce benefits so a company can survive. However when it come to public workers they think they are entitled to their jobs. I’m sorry but most teachers are over paid and so are most government officals.

By former union worker

July 21, 2011 2:48 PM | Link to this

The big shot republicans like our governor want people to work for $1 an hour. He needs to wake up. I will be voting NO on this issue in November. Hey that has a good ring to it. Vote No in No-vember!

By teacher

July 21, 2011 2:43 PM | Link to this

Create jobs? How will this bill create jobs? Nothing in this lengthy bill says anything about creating jobs. I will do my part and vote NO on this issue in NOvember along with the other 300,000 union members plus their families and friends.

By David Morello

July 21, 2011 2:39 PM | Link to this

SB5 will pass. Local government consolidation will be next. It’s about time. The days of riding the gravy train for public employees are over. Watching tv, leaning on shovels and no accountability are days of the past.

By mathis

July 21, 2011 2:28 PM | Link to this

didn’t get the credit rating because of SB5, it’s not implemented yet, right? but kasich got a very neg rating by the voters, he is very arrogant

By Squirrellygirl

July 21, 2011 2:27 PM | Link to this

I work in the private sector, and I have to pay over 25% of my salary towards medical insurance to get the regular insurance. Since I couldn’t afford that, I elected inferior insurance which I haven’t used because it doesn’t cover much. I never go to the doctor. I probably would go to the doctor if I could afford it, but I’m not a public employee with fat benefits, so…when I die, that will be one less private sector employee paying for your public sector fat benefits. I will vote to keep SB-5.

By Jeanie

July 21, 2011 2:24 PM | Link to this

Why would the state of Ohio go into the red if SB5 is repealed?? goodlord girl. Do you not realize that weekends were brought to you by UNIONS? Public workers pay taxes etc - read correction officers post above. Kasich is killing this state sweetie - he doesn’t care about Ohio, its a stepping stone for him. He wants to move onto bigger and better things. Personally, I don’t think it can happen soon enough.

By @non union

July 21, 2011 2:11 PM | Link to this

“I don’t see why repealing it would change the State’s credit rating since so many public employees are employed by local governments.” Standard & Poor’s upgraded Ohio’s credit-rating outlook last week from “negative” to “ stable,” citing the “state’s progress in restoring structural budget balance through fiscal 2013 and the modest economic recovery under way.” The improvement in outlook on Ohio’s “AA+” rating for general-obligation bonds was a tip of the cap to Republican Gov. John Kasich, who steered the budget through the GOP-controlled General Assembly, and to Ohio’s steadily improving unemployment numbers, which began under former Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland. “I don’t want to come down here and spin you,” Kasich told reporters this week after a speaking engagement related to job training in Dayton. “I’ve got to have good results, which is why I’ve been saying Ohio’s getting healthier. And when S&P removes us from negative watch, there’s proof.” Here is the link if you want to see it for yourself. http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2011/07/21/s-p-upgrades-ohios-credit-rating-outlook.html?sid=101

By non union

July 21, 2011 2:00 PM | Link to this

What people don’t realize is that this bill hurts non-union workers too. I don’t see why repealing it would change the State’s credit rating since so many public employees are employed by local governments.

By corrections officer

July 21, 2011 1:47 PM | Link to this

A lot of people in the “private sector” are misinformed about all public employees. I am a public employee and I do pay 20% of my medical benefits. I also am required to pay over 10% of my pay towards my pension and that increases yearly. My agency also took a pay cut on our last contract to do our part. So what are the people in the “private sector” doing to do their part to help? Repeal SB5! Public workers are not to blame for the state’s financial situation.

By Squirrellygirl

July 21, 2011 1:31 PM | Link to this

So…if the legislation is voted down, does Ohio go back in the red? Voters should wake up before they cast their votes! Kasich has made some moves to make Ohio more appealing to businesses, and we got back our good credit rating. So, would all of this be reversed if this bill is voted down?