A press release from the Ohio Libertarian Party, sent to IPR and TPID via email:

With the Ohio Statehouse as his backdrop, Libertarian Governor candidate Ken Matesz today delivered a comprehensive budget plan for the state of Ohio. Included in the plan are elimination of the state income tax saving Ohio taxpayers $7 billion annually, a reduction and freeze on above average state employee pay, and the introduction of choice in the state school system.

“Republicans and Democrats got us into this mess, but they don’t know how to get us out of it except by raising taxes or fees or by borrowing from our grandchildren,” Matesz stated. “The truth is a Governor cannot create private sector jobs. Big government does not add to the prosperity of a state- it consumes it. As Ohio’s next Governor, my primary mission will not be to “create jobs” or to promise tax cuts 10 years from now… it is simply to get the government out of the way.”

Matesz also promised to immediately eliminate the state income tax, and veto any budget from the General Assembly that did not include a zero income tax. Also included in this promise was the promise to resign if he did not keep this promise.

“Serious problems call for serious candidates. The Matesz campaign and the Ohio Libertarian Party are ready to step-up to the challenge with a detailed plan that eliminates the deficit while cutting taxes. The other major party candidates are unprepared to tell you their plans because they have none” said Libertarian Party Chairman Kevin Knedler.

“I offer Ohio real solutions and a commitment to making tough choices that will lead us back to prosperity, greater freedom, and much smaller state government,” Matesz proclaimed. “According to a recent Columbus Dispatch poll, 97% of Ohioans want a detailed budget proposal from the candidates for Governor. Today Ohio’s wish is fulfilled.”

To read more about the Matesz budget plan visit www.LPO.org for a full summary and the detailed line-item budget.

Numerous Libertarian statewide and legislative candidates from across the state were also in attendance and available for comment. To reach your local candidate for comment, please contact Mathew Erickson, Public Relation manager or visit www.LPO.ORG/2010-Candidates.html

Matesz Budget Plan Key Points Summary

Cutting Taxes-

Eliminating the State Income Tax July 1, 2011

Saves taxpayers $7 Billion of their money annually

Reducing Government-

Cutting Government Spending by 40% Starting July 1, 2011

Refocus state on constitutional role

Eliminate over 20 state agencies

Index/Freeze State Employee Pay & Benefits to Ohio’s Median Income

Education Choice-

Allow Every Ohio K-12 Student to have a waiver to go to the school of their choice.

Fund every classroom at $100,000 (25 students per class)

Eliminate State Debt

Repay all state debts by 2013

Use proceeds of asset sales to pay off previous debts

Cease issuance of new debts (require pay-go capital outlays)