Rep. Ismail Mohamed Votes "No" on State Budget, Believes it Doesn't Meet the Standards Ohioans Deserve

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Ismail Mohamed (D-Columbus) today released the following statement after voting against the Ohio state operating budget (HB 33):

“The budget before us today was not something that accurately reflects the needs of Ohioans,” said Rep. Mohamed. “While we saw encouraging House budget items such as the Fair School Funding plan, food bank funding, and certain Medicaid provisions included, the Senate changes to the budget, and the final version before us, were not consistent with what Ohioans asked of us as their lawmakers. Despite my disappointment in the overall budget, I am pleased to see the New African Immigrant Commission receive funding to continue their work for the African population in Ohio.”

The New African Immigrant Commission (NAIC) was founded in 2009 with bipartisan support in Sub House Bill 500. Prior to the passage of HB 33, it was the only state commission of its kind with no funding. The NAIC organizes community health, education, and engagement initiatives for the New African Immigrant population in the State of Ohio. When signed, the state budget will:

• Create the New African Immigrant Grant and Gift Fund in the State Treasury
• Add four nonvoting members from the Legislature to the Board
• Appropriate $250K/FY from GRF 

HB 33 now heads to Governor DeWine for his signature. He may still line-item veto provisions.