[Ohio-talk] Regarding Public Transit Resolution

[Robert Spangler]

Hello, I wanted to take this opportunity to expand on my comments 
regarding the public transit resolution at the convention.  I understand 
that much of the funding for transit authorities comes from the local 
communities - in Ohio, this is the sales tax in all counties but one, 
which is Lucas and which receives its funding from a property tax.


The state does have an influence on this, however.  In 2017, transit 
agencies started losing a lot of funding from the medicaid MCO sales 
tax.  While the governor pledged to reimburse transit agencies for this 
loss, it has been unclear if the entire amount each agency would lose 
would be reimbursed.  This amounted to 18 million dollars for Cleveland 
RTA, for example.  Please see the following article from 2017:

https://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2017/01/gov_kasich_proposes_changes_to.html


I understand that most of the issues cited in the legislation could be 
resolved at the local level, with the specific transit agencies, but why 
not push for greater priority from the state for funding transit 
agencies during our Columbus seminar event in April?  These agencies are 
experiencing financial difficulty, particularly in Lucas County, since a 
property tax does not provide as much funding as a sales tax.  I think 
we should lobby the state to do better as far as supporting public 
transportation.


Also, are members permitted to motion for amendments to resolutions 
during the general session when we vote to pass them or is this done 
during the resolutions committee meeting Friday night?


Thanks,

Robby