When Cleveland voters went to the ballot in November, they demonstrated their commitment to the city's schools and their children's future. This pledge -- approximately $249 per taxpayer per year, on average -- will net Cleveland students $85 million in critical resources annually.

Gov. John Kasich, despite his support for the Cleveland Plan and the subsequent levy, has left Clevelanders hanging. He encouraged us to make the tough decisions, urged support for Issue 107 and rewards our community's effort with none of his own. In fact, after this two-year budget expires, the district faces an additional $75 million in state cuts -- enough to wipe out most of the levy. How's that for congratulations?

Unfortunately, Cleveland is not alone. Urban, rural and suburban districts across the state asked voters for more than $1 billion in new taxes last year; most were rejected. The governor said Ohio must help those schools that don't have the resources to help themselves, yet almost two-thirds of Ohio school districts will see no additional revenue in his budget.

For perspective, districts will receive roughly the same amount of funding in 2014 as they did during the 1999-2000 school year if inflation is taken into account.

Kasich's proposal not only takes us back to pre-recession funding levels, but perpetuates the resource gap that our community -- concerned for the well-being of our children -- has fought so hard to overcome.

Regardless of their ZIP code, all of Ohio's children deserve a world-class education. Anything less is unacceptable.

By Nina Turner

and Sandra Williams Columbus

Democrats Turner and Williams of Cleveland represent Ohio Senate District 25 and Ohio House District 11, respectively.