Lampton Supports New State Budget

COLUMBUS – The Ohio House of Representative yesterday passed House Bill 110, Ohio’s two-year budget plan. State Representative Brian Lampton (R-Beavercreek) voted in support of the bill, which appropriates funds to Wright State University’s Clearance Ready Program, Co-Op Internship program, new school funding reform plan, tax relief, and several other initiatives.

“I’m proud to pass House Bill 110 as a balanced and responsible budget for the families and individuals of the 73rd House District,” said Lampton. “The appropriations included for both local and statewide projects will make Ohio a better state.”

State University’s Clearance Ready Program is an initiative aimed to help students prepare for the security clearance process. It works to connect students with employers on and near the Wright Patterson Air Force Base who are in need of interns or graduates. The budget appropriates $100K each fiscal year for the Clearance Ready Program. 

H.B. 110 also earmarks $75K each fiscal year to Wright State University’s Co-Op Internship Program to support the Model United Nations Program and the operations of the Center for Liberal Arts Student Success at Wright State University. 

The legislation appropriates $250K each fiscal year to Ohio Task Force One. Based out of Dayton, Ohio Task Force One serves the state and nation as one of the top Urban Search and Rescue teams. The appropriation will be distributed to the Ohio Task Force One – Urban Search and Rescue Unit for the purpose of paying for its operating expenses and developing new program. 

Additionally, H.B. 110 allocates over $1.8 million each fiscal year to the Air Force Institute of Technology, a $300K increase in each fiscal year from the Executive Budget Proposal. Of those funds, $75K each fiscal year will be allocated to the Aerospace Professional Development Center in Dayton for statewide workforce development services in the aerospace industry.

Other highlights of the budget include:

• Fair School Funding Plan – The new state budget includes the Fair School Funding Plan, the result of three years of work between educators and policymakers.
• Tax Relief – The budget includes a 3 percent across the board personal income tax cut. It reduces the number of tax brackets from five to four, and eliminates the income tax for anyone making less than $25,000 per year.
• Broadband Expansion – The state budget allocates $250 million to support grants under the Ohio Residential Broadband Expansion Grant Program and the Ohio Broadband Expansion Program Authority.
• Keeping & Creating Jobs – H.B. 110 includes $155 million to help industries recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and help Ohio remain a competitive state to work and live.
• Supporting Law Enforcement, First Responders, and Veterans – This budget includes funding for training and equipment, as well as support for veterans organizations. 

The budget bill now heads to Governor Mike DeWine for his review.