As Ohio's economy worsened earlier this year, programs around the state had already started bracing for cuts. In Mahoning County, the Mental Health Board, which oversees 22 different agencies, had its budget reduced by a million dollars and more cuts are coming. Director Ron Marian says, "This budget cut will take us back to the 80's."
Dozens of staff from local service agencies gathered at Youngstown's Main Library. Among the programs being impacted by the state budget mess are hundreds of food banks.
Mike Iberis of the local Second Harvest Foodbank says last year alone, the fruit and vegetable program, which buys surplus crops that might otherwise be left in the field to rot, sent 25-million pounds of food to pantries around the state, including dozens in this area. But he says, "This year, as we speak, none has been distributed as of today."
Perhaps some of the deepest cuts will be felt by public libraries, as much as 50-percent of their state funding. A day after laying off ten library workers and announcing concessions from other staff, Library Executive Director Carlton Sears says, "It's an absolute crime that this is happening."
Lawmakers warn if revenues can't be increased, even more cuts are being contemplated, with officials considering closing state prisons and layoffs in both the State Highway Patrol and the Ohio National Guard.
