March 18, 2025
Overview
The 136th General Assembly was off to a fast start since Governor DeWine delivered his Executive budget proposal in the first week of February. The Governor’s budget emphasizes economic growth, with continued support of childcare programs, as well as a child tax credit to support working families. In addition to childcare, the budget has a focus on K-12 literary support, and the next phase of the Fair School Funding Plan. There is also an emphasis on increasing access to mental health services and increased taxes on cigarettes, gambling, and other “vices”.
G2G has conducted many meetings with the legislature and the leadership in both chambers over the past few months. We have concentrated most of our efforts in the House as they work to craft the Operating Budget. The public testimonies in the Ohio House of Representatives by our clients were particularly impressive over the past couple of weeks, not just to us but to the State Representatives as they shared these comments each time.
G2G has also met with several in the Ohio Congressional Delegation in both Washington, DC and throughout Ohio, ranging from both Senators Moreno and Husted to Reps. Brown, Joyce, Miller, Beatty and Carey. We also enjoyed the annual Ohio Birthday Party in DC and got to connect with many in the delegation, their staff and the numerous academic institutions and businesses spanning our great state. The unity in advancing Ohio is impressive!
Further updates on the Operating Budget, leadership priorities in the Statehouse, committees activities, elections, and education issues are below.
Operating Budget Timeline
The FY 26-27 State Operating Budget (HB96) must be passed by June 3oth to start the fiscal year on July 1st. G2G works around the clock to ensure we informed on all things budget related including deadlines, testimony and engagement opportunities with decision-makers. This is an incredibly busy time for the legislature and all focus is on this process as the main operating budget is must-pass legislation.
Below is what to generally expect for the operating budget timeline:
- The Ohio House is currently considering State Operating Budget and invited and public testimony is taking place through mid-March.
- Amendment priority lists are due to the Finance Chair on March 14th following which the House Finance Committee will introduce their substitute version of the state operating budget bill.
- The House plans to pass their version of the bill by early April and send over to the Senate for their consideration.
- The legislative Spring Break will take place the weeks of April 14th and April 21st after which the Senate will be in full swing with their consideration of HB 96.
- The Ohio House/Senate conferees negotiate final bill in the month of June to pass the budget by June 30th and start fiscal year 2026 on July 1st.
Elections and Office Changes
- Jim Tressel, former Ohio State Football Coach and former President of Youngstown State University, has been confirmed as Lieutenant Governor.
- Vivek Ramaswamy formally launched his campaign for Ohio governor. Current competition in the Gubernatorial race includes Attorney General Dave Yost (R) and Dr. Amy Acton (D).
- State Senator Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson) announced she will run for Ohio Treasurer in 2026 as will former State Senator Niraj Antani (R-Miamisburg).
- Current Secretary of State, Frank LaRose, will run for State Auditor.
- State Auditor Keith Faber is running for Attorney General.
- Former State Representative Elliot Forhan (D-Akron) will run against Faber in the race for Attorney General
Transportation Budget
The transportation budget has officially passed out of the House in a unanimous vote. This bill supports $393 million for new highway construction, roadway safety, investments in local airports, and Ohio will join the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Compact. Some provisions, including a road safety pilot program, has more money invested in airports by dedicating a share of gas taxes to a fund supporting them, enhanced security for regional transit authorities, and language requiring the Ohio BMV to not offer voter registration to customers who records indicate are not citizens. Members felt this bill was a good compromise between the Majority and Minority parties.
Medicaid Work Requirements
Governor DeWine and Maureen Corcoran, Director of Department of Medicaid, submitted a proposal to the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that would require Medicaid enrollees to be at least 55, employed, to be enrolled in school or a job training program, or have a serious physical or mental health illness. The Governor’s goal is to help individuals reach self-sufficiency, while creating more purpose and pride within the work environment. With these requirements, 62,000 Ohioans would no longer be eligible for benefits, but it would save the state $7 million in fiscal year 2027.
Events
Congresswoman Joyce Beatty
G2G attended the Columbus Metropolitan Club event with Congresswoman Beatty as she shared update from Washington D.C. where she spoke on general confusion over executive orders, disagreements within Congress, and overall concern for how Federal chaos will affect the state. Congresswoman Beatty did say that even though there is uncertainty, people are strongly encouraged to reach out to their representatives, now more than ever, to let them know what the people need.
Akron-Canton Regional Impact Ohio Conference
G2G attended the Impact Ohio conference in Canton, where we heard from House Finance Chair Brian Stewart (R-Ashville), Senate Finance Chair Jerry Cirino (R-Kirkland) and House Ranking Member Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Westlake) as they shared updates on the state operating budget. G2G had insightful conversations with the members and continues to foster those relationships. These conversations were timely as the legislature is considering the budget.
Congresswomen Emilia Skyes (OH-13) and Shontel Brown (OH-11) spoke about the funding freeze and how it could possibly affect Ohio and small businesses. Both Congresswomen ensured G2G they would do everything they can in D.C. to make sure Ohio small business and nonprofits do not suffer.