Schmidt, Ohio House Approve Bipartisan State Budget Bill

COLUMBUS –The Ohio House of Representatives last week passed the State Operating Budget, House Bill 33, for fiscal years 2024-25, announced State Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland.). The budget bill includes expanded school choice, increased support for nursing facilities, relief for expecting mothers, and several other initiatives.

This legislation paves the way for all Ohio children to receive a quality education. The budget expands school choice with a universal voucher program, incorporating House-led language that safeguards low income families, granting them access to educational options.

The budget bill takes care of Ohioans of all ages. It increases support for nursing facilities, resulting in higher quality care for more Ohioans and ensuring that our elderly and disabled citizens receive the care they deserve. The budget also creates Healthy Aging Grants. These one-time grants will be distributed to local partners throughout the state to foster improved quality of life for Ohio seniors so they can maintain an active and independent lifestyle, remain in their homes, and stay connected to their communities

“This budget is good for our state and its residents,” said Schmidt. “I’m pleased to see so many provisions that will provide Ohioans ample opportunity to prosper.”

Three pieces of legislation championed by Schmidt in the Ohio House were also included in the budget. House Bill 109 will increase accessibility of safe haven baby boxes for newborns at fire departments and police stations. These resources provide support to expecting mothers in difficult situations and ensure newborns can be safely surrendered. 

House Bill 17 aims to protect Ohio’s sensitive information by banning the download, installation, and use of any applications or services owned by an entity located in China, including TikTok, on government devices.

Finally, House Bill 22 will establish a stroke registry in Ohio. A stroke registry is a mandatory, statewide collection of data regarding a sampling of stroke patients. The registry provides protected data, ensuring that steps are being taken to properly and swiftly care for stroke patients.

Additional provisions highlighted by Schmidt are as follows:

• $2 million for Child Focus, Inc. to support workforce development and early learning; 
• $250,000 for the United Way of Greater Cincinnati to support the Project Lift Program in Brown and Clermont counties;
• $2 million for Produce Perks Midwest to increase affordable access to nutritious food; and
• Expanded eligibility for expecting mothers to receive financial assistance under the Ohio Works First program. 

The state operating budget is a two-year budget that funds the operation of state agencies and programs. 

The budget was recently signed by the Governor.