Wilkin testifies before senate finance committee

Highland County Board of Commissioners President Shane Wilkin testified Wednesday before the State Senate of Ohio's finance committee, speaking about the drastic cuts local governments are facing, particularly in the area of social services. 

Wilkin, a member of the human services committee of the County Commissioners Association of Ohio, was asked to testify on behalf of the association regarding cuts that agencies such as county Job and Family Services are enduring, while serving a greater number of clients. 

"There were a lot of people who testified, all day long, and we each got three minutes, and then questions (from the committee)," Wilkin told The Highland County Press. "We talked about funding streams and some things in the budget that were proposed, and 'let's not just shift it from the state's general fund and shove it over to the counties.' Some of the points we had were that the state can't dump everything onto (county) budgets and say their budget is balanced when they've killed ours." 

"Even though all sections of government have been hit, unfortunately when you have times like these, social services needs and applications are at a high point," Wilkin said. "Because the economy is at a low point, and those budgets are being cut, it's hard to satisfy those needs."

Wilkin said that in Highland County, many families have been hit hard by the economic downturn and job loss, and are they are seeking government assistance.

"Prior to testifying, I was given some information. In 2006, I believe, the number of families who were on food stamps was 1,746. According to Highland County Job and Family Services this morning, the information was that 4,048 were on food stamp assistance."

Because the proposed state budget cuts funding to local government by more than 50 percent over two years, coupled with additional cuts to health and human services, Wilkin said, "It's like they're getting cut twofold."

"The only way to replace those funds would be from the county general fund if it was deemed necessary they needed the funds, and that just compounds our problem," Wilkin said. "It's kind of like going back to an already empty well.

Finance committee chairperson Chris Widener, according to Wilkin, asked that the numbers on the food stamp assistance be repeated. 

"I was told that any kind of question from the chairman is a plus," Wilkin said. "He asked me if the increase in food stamp assistance and job loss was due to the DHL pullout. I said that, combined with the loss of jobs in the automotive sectors, Weastec and Johnson Controls."

Wilkin said that this was his first time testifying before a senate committee. 

"It was interesting to see how it is done and see the committee up there," Wilkin said. "The senators were in and out as they had other meetings. As I sat there and listened, there were some conversations back and forth, and some engaging questions. It was interesting to be part of the process of democracy, with everyone trying to state their case, and in your three minutes try to tell them, 'this is how we believe it should be.' I'm glad I got to do it."

Sen. David Daniels (R-Greenfield) is also a member of the 13-member committee.

Wilkin said he hopes his testimony will make a difference to the committee.

"The point I made with the food stamp numbers really drove home some of the points on how social services and their funds are being cut while the need is being driven up," Wilkin said. "I don't know how a lot of people feel, but I know that in our area, it's a pride thing. People think, 'I'm not going to get on food assistance,' but the number has more than doubled. They have had to make that step of, 'I need help to put food on my table.' That is why the jobs at PAS Technologies are important.  Why even the small job increases of five jobs, 10 jobs in manufacturing, are important to us."