Rep. White: Republican Budget Chooses Wealthy Ohioans Over Working Ohioans for Tax Relief, Awarding Stadium Subsidies Over Ohio Families

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Erika White (D-Springfield Township) today criticized the Republican state operating budget, signed by Governor Mike DeWine, that prioritizes tax breaks for the wealthy and corporate giveaways over funding for schools, affordable communities, and essential healthcare services. Despite a few helpful line-item vetoes, the budget still overwhelmingly reflects out-of-touch priorities that leave everyday Ohioans behind.

“To the people of Ohio, your phone calls and emails were democracy in action. Your urging the Governor and his staff to use his line-item veto power along with pressure from our office and caucus members facilitated an overturning of 67 provisions of the main operating budget 2026-2027. 

Thank you for the time you took out of your day to stand up for Ohio’s public schools & libraries, workers, families, and students. This is an act deserving the highest recognition. I am proud to serve with you. While this budget still lacks in providing all that is needed for the voices of the people I represent in District 41, our collective activism is a reminder of the power of democracy in action!¿¿The power of the people,” said Rep. White. ¿ 

House Democrats emphasize that this budget does not meet the moment for Ohio’s families, students, or seniors. Instead, it is loaded with tax cuts that disproportionately benefit the wealthiest Ohioans while cutting or underfunding the programs that people rely on every day.

House Democrats fought hard throughout the process to strip out some of the most harmful provisions, and they are grateful to the citizens and advocacy groups who raised their voices. Thanks to their efforts, Governor DeWine exercised his veto power more than he ever has in his time in office, and more than a dozen especially dangerous provisions were successfully removed through line-item vetoes, including:

• Funding penalties for colleges that failed to comply with anti-DEI Senate Bill 1.
• Cuts to H2Ohio environmental funding.
• Restrictions targeting public libraries and LGBTQ+ materials.
• Medicaid cuts for children aged 0-3.

Still, these small wins cannot mask the larger truth: this budget is fundamentally skewed toward the wealthy and special interests, and Ohio families will pay the price.