Manning Supports and Ohio House Approves State Budget Proposal, Heads to Senate

Today, State Rep. Gayle Manning (R-North Ridgeville) and the Ohio House approved House Bill 110, otherwise known as the two-year state operating budget for Fiscal Years 2022-2023. The legislation highlights include a new school funding reform plan, tax relief, jobs and economic support, and several other initiatives.

“As Chair of the Primary and Secondary Education Committee and retired educator, I’m extremely proud of the product finalized within this budget plan to reform our school funding formula,” said Manning. “In addition to the pro-jobs, pro-business initiatives and tax relief, this budget has something for everyone to benefit from for Fiscal Years 2022-2023.”

The school funding reform plan is the result of more than three years of work by educators and policymakers. The Fair School Funding Plan is predictable, sustainable and transparent. The plan will be phased in over the next six years, beginning with the 2021-22 school year, and is designed to ensure no district loses funding during the transition to a new formula.

The legislation also includes a two percent personal income tax rate cut, which will reduce taxes approximately $380 million over the biennium. Coupled with recently passed legislation (Senate Bill 18) conforming Ohio’s tax code with federal law, the House is providing a nearly $500 million in personal income tax relief this biennium.

In addition to school funding reform and tax relief, the plan provides COVID-19 relief aid to help businesses impacted by the pandemic. The House budget proposal appropriates $155 million in COVID-19 relief aid to help businesses impacted by the pandemic. Grants from this funding will be available in the fiscal year beginning July 1. The package includes:

•         $100 million for restaurants and bars

•         $25 million for the lodging industry

•         $20 million for indoor and outdoor entertainment venues

•         $10 million in relief for new businesses 

House Bill 110 also includes a series of provisions in support of law enforcement, firefighters and public safety. Some of the initiatives include security grants, school safety grants, body cameras, law enforcement training investment, firefighter grants, and funding for the Ohio Cyber Reserve.

Manning submitted several other amendments to the bill pertaining to local projects impacting the 55th Ohio House District, including: 

• Increased funding for crisis nurseries
  • Blessing House, one of three crisis nurseries in the state, will be able to utilize this increased funding
• Expands the authorized uses a court may make of surplus money in an Indigent Alcohol Drivers Fund
  • The amendment allows for expenditure for staffing costs, equipment, training, drug testing, supplies, and other expenses of any specialized docket program established within the court and certified by the Supreme Court.
• Increases funding for Ohio YWCAs

The budget plan, under House Bill 110, now heads to the Senate for further action.