Ohio House Begins Hearings on the State's Main Operating Budget

COLUMBUS– The House Finance Committee today conducted its first hearing on the state’s main operating budget for fiscal years 2026-27, announced State Representative Jamie Callender (R-Concord). This hearing marks the beginning of the budget process and kicks off five months of committee meetings, public testimony, and amendments between the House, Senate, and Governor. Ohio operates on a two-year budget cycle and is constitutionally required to adopt a new budget before the first working day of July in odd numbered years. 

During the budget process, Ohio will pass four budgets that will govern what is spent by the state over the next biennium. The Ohio Industrial Commission and Bureau of Workers Compensation budgets oversee Ohio’s workers compensation program and the state’s transportation budget funds roadwork and infrastructure improvements overseen by the Ohio Department of Transportation. While the operating, Industrial Commission, and Bureau of Workers Compensation budgets must be passed by July, the state’s transportation budget must be passed by the end of March to prevent any laps in funding for ongoing projects. 

During the 135th General Assembly, Representative Callender successfully advocated for over 60 operating budget appropriations, including the continued phase in of the Fair School Funding Plan, adding more than half a billion dollars to K-12 education funding on Ohio, coastal erosion mitigation projects in Lake County, and support for regional arts institutions across Northeast Ohio. 

“Every two years, Ohio has the opportunity to invest in future generations and stronger communities,” said Callender. “By supporting K-12 education, workforce development, and the protection of regional amenities such as Lake Eire, our metro-park system, and cultural institutions, we can keep Lake County the best place in the nation to put down roots and raise a family.” 

The state’s main operating budget will be formally introduced next week with hearings continuing in the House until April when it will be sent over to the Ohio Senate for consideration.