Thomas Votes in Favor of State Operating Budget

COLUMBUS –The Ohio House of Representatives passed the State Operating Budget, House Bill 33, for fiscal years 2024-25, announced State Rep. Jim Thomas (R-Jackson Twp.). The budget bill includes workforce development opportunities, updates to school funding, tax relief for all Ohioans, and several other initiatives.

House Bill 33 includes a series of provisions in support of workforce development. 

$200 million for career tech programs across the state
$1 billion for the Connect4Ohio Fund to increase accessibility to economic centers for all Ohio workers
$750 million for the All Ohio Future Fund, which prepares locations throughout the state to be ready for large-scale development projects

“Ohioans are ready to take advantage of the increase in economic opportunities, but we must have the skilled workforce to fill the new job opportunities,” said Thomas. “Our budget continues to build and upskill the workforce of tomorrow.”

This legislation also invests over $8 billion in FY24 and more than $8.2 billion in FY25 to fund the Fair School Funding Plan, one of the House’s priority provisions. This funding will play a significant role in setting Ohio students up for success. 

The bill includes an income tax cut that simplifies and flattens the state income tax into two brackets.

• Income tax rate of 2.75% for those making $26,000 to $100,000
• Income tax rate of 3.5% for those making above $100,000     

The budget has been signed by Governor DeWine.