A month ago, we told you about Governor Kasich’s plan to modernize Ohio’s energy policy. Raising the tax on large oil and gas companies would bring us in line with most oil-producing states, yet still be competitive. At the same time, it would inject hundreds of millions into the economy every year by providing tax relief to every Ohioan who pays income tax.
House Speaker Bill Batchelder and Senate President Tom Niehaus |
It’s pretty much a win-win situation for the state. Yet, the plan is still stalled in the legislature, which is controlled by our fellow Republicans. Guys, what on earth are you waiting for? A sign?
Well, here’s one for you:
Ohio voters back Gov. John Kasich’s proposal to raise taxes on shale fracking and use the revenue for an across-the-board state income tax cut, a new poll released today indicates.
“This looks like an issue on which Gov. Kasich has the voters behind him,” said Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute, which has been taking surveys in Ohio for several years.
Sixty percent approve of Kasich’s plan, 32 percent are against, the poll shows.
Ohioans approve of the plan in such high numbers because it’s a no-brainer. Oil companies are going to extract billions of dollars worth of oil and gas out of the ground in Ohio. They can afford to pay more than the current 20 cents per barrel. And Ohioans deserve to share in the benefits.
Even Democrats agree. Fully 65% of the state’s Dems back the plan as well. There is no downside here, folks.
Call you state rep and state senator today, and tell them to back the governor’s plan to inject a real stimulus into Ohio’s economy.