Ohio Governor John Kasich gave a concession speech for Ohio Issue 2 at approximately 9:30 pm Tuesday, as votes continued to be tallied.
Kasich congratulated opponents for their successful campaign in overturning Senate Bill 5, which aimed to assist local governments to maintain employment levels during this recession.
“As far as local governments go, you know, we’ll work with them to overcome their challenges, but let me be clear, there’s no bailout coming. There’s no bailout because there is no money,” Kasich advised.
In a recent interview with Sean Hannity, Kasich said, “This issue was designed to give local governments the tools to control their costs. It doesn’t affect state employees. State employees already pay this. This is for local, for government employees at the local level who don’t pay this.”
Kasich has previously advised that budget cuts were coming that would affect local governments and this is reflected in the coming budget.
Cities such as Cincinnati are looking at laying off safety forces due to budget concerns addressed in SB 5.
Cleveland is now slated to lay off 300-400 employees. Lancaster laid off 13 firefighters last week. Layoffs are also coming in Harrison County and Lorain County, to name but a few.
In contrast, Wisconsin is hiring public employees due to the union reforms undertaken by the Walker administration.
Also on the ballot, Ohio Issue 1 which would increase the retirement age for Supreme Court Justices from 70 to 75 years of age failed by a nearly 2 to 1 margin, and Issue 3, which protects Ohioans from the individual mandate of Obamacare, passed overwhelmingly.