Ohio Budget Watch

Department of Education Announces Layoffs – Columbus Dispatch

State Superintendent Stan Heffner this morning announced the elimination of 26 employees at the Department of Education with more layoffs to come in the wake of state budget cuts.

State budget forces cuts at Westlake schools – Cleveland.com

School officials say the district will take a $4.1 million hit in state funding over the next two years. […]

District officials cut high school busing, eliminated 38 employees, and will institute a tuition-based all-day kindergarten in the fall.

Consumers’ counsel cutting services, jobs after budget cut – Columbus Dispatch

Having had its funding slashed, the state agency that looks out for Ohio utility customers already has laid off 30 employees and will dramatically reduce its advocacy work.

“The likely outcome for consumers is that utility rates will go up and there will be less oversight (of utilities) from our office,” said Marty Berkowitz, an agency spokesman.