Buckeye Reporter

The Ohio House has approved House Bill 96, a critical fiscal legislation representing the state's main operating budget. Announced by State Representative Jamie Callender, the bill passed with a 60-39 vote. Constitutionally required by July's first working day in odd-numbered years, this budget funds state operations, schools, libraries, and local governments.

Originally introduced by the Governor at $102 billion for FY ’26 and $104 billion for FY ’27, the House’s version proposes $100 billion in FY ’26 and $102 billion in FY ’27. This represents a $4 billion reduction from the Governor's proposal but a $10 billion increase over the prior biennium. The adjustment was achieved without raising taxes, while also aiming to provide property tax relief.

The approved budget includes the Fair School Funding Plan's final phase, ensuring increased state aid to all public schools compared to FY ’25. Changes to the formula cultivated a rise in funding for every school district in Lake County. The budget also modifies fees for the Low-and Moderate-incoming Housing Trust Fund, directing funds to local housing and infrastructure projects.

Representative Callender secured funding for local initiatives, such as $500,000 annually for Lake County's STEAM to Career program and $15,000 for sidewalk repairs in Grand River beginning FY ’26. Additional provisions permit agricultural structures to expand without automatic sprinkler requirements.

"We are grateful to Representative Callender and fellow members of the Ohio House of Representatives for their investment in training and connections to careers in manufacturing,” stated Teresa Simons, of The Alliance for Working Together Foundation.

Grand River Mayor Jennifer Hood expressed gratitude for the support, as did Mary Mervar, Grand River Village Council President, voicing excitement about development prospects.

Statewide initiatives included $375,000 annually for The Foundry’s Row, Sail, Dream program and $500,000 in FY '26 for New Bridge Cleveland to aid at-risk adults. The budget allocates $250,000 in FY ’26 for University Circle's youth mental health initiative, $700,000 annually for school-based crisis services by Bellefaire’s Jewish Children’s Bureau, and $500,000 in FY ’26 to combat infant mortality via Birthing Beautiful Communities.

"We are grateful for Representative Callender and his colleagues in the Ohio House of Representatives," said Jazmin Long of Birthing Beautiful Communities.

Mike Trebilcock, founder of The Foundry, emphasized the impact of the funding on the sailing program. Kate Borders, President of University Circle, Inc., appreciated the financial support for community-building initiatives.

Representative Callender also championed $100,000 annually for S.U.C.C.E.S.S. for Autism and restored some funding for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, collaborating with libraries to avoid severe funding cuts.

Cheryl Kuonen of Mentor Public Library and Michelle Francis of the Ohio Library Council acknowledged Callender's continued advocacy. Lynette Scotese-Wojtila, of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. for Autism, noted the lasting impact of the budget's inclusion.

“This bill makes meaningful steps towards providing property tax relief to Ohioans while strengthening our schools and local governments,” Callender remarked.

House Bill 96 now moves to the Ohio Senate for additional hearings.