Lawmakers Approve New State Budget, Ban on Vaccine Mandates in Schools

COLUMBUS – Tax relief and investments to help Ohio keep and create jobs are among the highlights of the state budget plan approved by lawmakers, announced State Rep. Jennifer Gross (R-West Chester).

“Providing tax relief and supporting Ohio businesses through this state budget will bolster job creation in our state,” said Gross. 

The bill includes a three percent across the board personal income tax cut. The tax reform plan reduces the number of tax brackets from five to four, and eliminates the income tax for anyone making less than $25,000 per year. Overall, these and other tax changes in the budget reduce taxes by $2 billion over the biennium. 

Gross highlighted other key provisions: 

• Keeping Ohio and America First – H.B. 110 requires state agencies to give a preference to American and Ohio products through a competitive bidding process.
• Supporting Law Enforcement, First Responders, and Veterans – This budget includes funding for training and equipment, as well as support for veterans organizations. 
• Health Professionals – A provision in the budget states that medical professionals will not be forced to perform procedures that violate their religious beliefs or conscience.
• Ensuring Student Success - The new state budget includes the Fair School Funding Plan, the result of three years of work between educators and policymakers. Vouchers and charter schools will now be directly funded by the state. The plan’s distribution formula for schools emphasizes a more accurate measure of school district capacity, by using both property and income wealth to determine the local share. The bill also makes changes to the EdChoice voucher eligibility and enables more opportunities for new start-up charter schools. 

Governor DeWine signed Ohio’s new two-year state budget in law on June 30.

In addition, state lawmakers approved legislation that protects students and employees of public schools and universities from vaccine mandates when the vaccine does not have full approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 

“Although there is more work to be done on this subject, I am thankful the Ohio General Assembly passed legislation that protects medical choice for our students and school faculty in Ohio,” added Gross. “I will continue to advocate for House Bill 248 to protect medical choice and prevent discrimination for all Ohioans.”

The measure, House Bill 244, now heads to Governor DeWine for consideration.