Swearingen's Push for Local School and Infrastructure Funding Bill Signed into Law

State Rep. D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron) announces that the Governor has signed Senate Bill 4 and it will now become law. Earlier this month, the Ohio House approved the bill with Swearingen’s amendment that aides $555 million to state construction in support of local schools and infrastructure projects.

Swearingen’s amendment that he offered and which was passed on the House floor authorizes the state to issue $300 million in bonds for K-12 school construction through the Facilities Construction Commission, which oversees state-assisted school projects.

“For more than 20 years, Ohio’s school facilities program has been a national leader,” said Swearingen. “All told, Ohio has invested more than $12 billion in construction, renovation and repair of more than 1,200 school buildings and counting. This amendment continues that commitment and allows local school districts to continue planning their upcoming construction program.”

Additionally, the amendment authorizes the Public Works Commission to issue $255 million in bonds, including $175 million for the State Capital Improvement Program, which supports a variety of local water, wastewater, road and bridge projects.

The legislation also appropriates significant funding for the state’s public works loan program and the Clean Ohio Conservation Program.

Senate Bill 4, along with the amendment, passed with bipartisan support in both chambers before being signed today by the Governor.