Ohio Governor Freezes State Spending on Meals
Ohio Governor Ted Strickland has instructed the Office of Budget and Management (OBM) to implement a temporary freeze on certain meal-related expenditures and supplies for all participants relative to hosting a meeting, seminar, or convention held for official state business for all state agencies, boards, and commissions.
Strickland directed OBM to prepare a review of state meal-related expenditures. The review found that approximately $3.9 million was spent in FY2006 and FY2007 on meal-related expenditures.
“It is troubling that such a large amount was spent over the last two years, even as we face such a difficult budget environment and our state faces such great needs in education, job creation, and health care,” Strickland said.
The freeze will be in effect until April 5, 2007. During the time period of the freeze, the OBM will develop clear guidance to ensure the appropriateness of such expenditures by all state agencies, boards, and commissions and the consistent application of guidelines to all organizations.
Contingent upon review, agencies may be issued a waiver by OBM. Legislative, judicial, and elected offices are exempt from the freeze.