LaRe Votes in Favor of State Operating Budget

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today passed House Bill 33, the State Operating Budget for fiscal years 2024-25, announced Vice Chairman of the House Finance Committee, State Rep. Jeff LaRe (R-Violet Twp.).

The House-led budget commits substantial resources to economic and workforce development, family enrichment, and education for Ohioans of all ages. House Bill 33 is a fiscally responsible balanced budget that supports everyday Ohioans and lays the foundation for the future by investing in the state and maximizing state resources.

House Bill 33 positively impacts Ohioans in every corner of the state by continuing to lower Ohio taxes. The budget flattens and reduces the state income tax from the bottom up by 2.75% for individuals making up to $92,000 a year, providing tax relief to the vast majority of Ohioans.  

“Economic opportunity is the number one reason people move to or from Ohio,” said LaRe. “I am proud to have worked on and voted in favor of a budget that invests in the everyday Ohioan in order to make Ohio the best place to work, raise a family, and thrive.”

Another provision included due in part to LaRe’s advocacy is language that would set the standards for the ability of survivors of sexual assault to access certain information regarding the sexual assault examination kit collected from the individual. Survivors will now be able to access the status of their examination kits. Additionally, entities with custody of examination kits will be required to submit an annual report regarding examination kit inventory to the Attorney General’s office, promoting accountability and transparency.  

Additional local provisions highlighted by LaRe are as follows:

-          $4 million for fiscal year 2024 for the Fairfield Medical Center 

-          $4.28 million for the Fairfield County Workforce Center in conjunction with Ohio University and Hocking College for building renovations and equipment purchases for certain programs

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

The budget awaits consideration from the Ohio Senate.