Thomas Votes in Favor of State Budget

COLUMBUS –On Wednesday, the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 33, the State Operating Budget for fiscal years 2024-25, announced State Representative Jim Thomas (R-Jackson Twp.).

The House-led budget commits substantial resources to economic and workforce development 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.

Education and workforce development provisions highlighted by Thomas are as follows:

·         Allocate $200 million for high school career-tech facilities. This funding creates new opportunities for Ohio’s students and prepares them for high-skill, high-wage jobs in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and technology.

·         Invest $100 million in new training facilities and workforce development capacity at Ohio’s colleges, universities, and training providers to position Ohio for long-term success by ensuring the workforce is well-equipped for the demands of the modern economy.

·         The Ohio Work Ready Grant Program will provide grants to students enrolled in in-demand credentialing programs at community colleges, regional campuses, and technical centers that are helping bridge the skills gap and ensure a strong, capable workforce in Ohio.

·         Expand eligibility for EdChoice, from 250% to 450% of the federal poverty level, which will help more families afford a quality education for their children, with a family of four making $135,000 now eligible.

·         Promote Ohio’s future by investing $500 million in the All Ohio Future Fund to benefit all of Ohio. This fund prepares locations throughout the state to be ready for large-scale development projects.

“These statewide investments in education show our commitment to student success and to the employers that are coming to Ohio looking for workers who can meet industry needs,” Thomas said. “It is an exciting time to be in Ohio as more businesses and economic opportunities are coming to the Buckeye State.”