Fiscal conservative think-tank - McCreary

McCreary: Fiscal conservative think-tank member.

Under Republican control, our budget grew by 66% (mids 90s- early 2000s). Median household income increased, however...
...contrary to what Zach said, taxes are a big problem. Private sector needs to be strong to support government. State gov. workers make 25% more than private sector workers - pensions, benefits, healthcare. Pensions are a big problem. Police officers and firefighters - can enter pension at age 48 - they continue to work, but pensions continue to accumulate at 8% interest. They are public service millionaires... they can get pensions in excess of $100000 for the rest of their lives. This is nothing again police officers and firefighters...we obviously need them. The problem is with pension at all levels of govt. We recently had a woman go to work for Ohio State - she made around 86,000 but now makes over 300,000 - now her pension will be over 200,000 because it is calculated from highest three years. We have a lot of double dippers even in our state legislature. They are also collecting pensions in addition to salaries. Nothing like this exists in the private sector. Public sector pensions are not a reflection of reality. The Buckeye institute is dedicated to government accountability and transparency - we want Ohioans to know how their tax money is being spent.
We need to take on unions, pensions, and the compensation of government workers. Ohio is at a crossroads. We can have more of the failed leadership from Repubs and Dems alike or we can return to the days of limited govt. in Ohio.