It is budget season in Ohio! Because the state of Ohio operates on a biennial budget, the first six months of this year will be mostly dedicated to the budgets that fund our state. The state transportation budget (HB 23) must be passed by March 30th and the state operating budget (HB 33) must be passed by June 30th. The Ohio House is currently hearing the transportation budget with passage expected this week. Following the tragedy in East Palestine, rail safety is top of mind for legislators in this budget. Hours of hearings have been dedicated to rail safety, worker safety, and transportation of hazardous materials. The transportation budget has already started hearings in the Senate so it may quickly make it through the legislative process and to Gov. DeWine’s desk before the end of March.

The state operating budget (HB 33) has also begun hearings in the House with department heads giving their testimony to the committee in early February explaining the funding needs of their departments. Gov. DeWine’s priorities for this budget include a focus on literacy, specifically through the use of phonics, a continued focus on mental health, and also H2Ohio. DeWine has also proposed a new department — Department of Children and Youth Services — to consolidate programs now spanning six agencies. The agency will focus on the health of mothers and children, children’s behavioral health, foster care and early childhood education. The budget will likely pass the House by the end of April and then make its way to the Senate for passage in late May/early June. Conference Committee for HB 33 will likely happen in mid to late June so it may be passed and to the governor before the end of June. G2G is regularly at the Statehouse meeting with legislators and attending events. Should you have any questions about the state budget or its provisions, please let us know.