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CROSS TOUTS STATE BUDGET AS BEING GOOD FOR THE 83RD DISTRICT

Published By WKTN on April 23, 2021
Jon Cross In The News

State Rep. Jon Cross (R-Kenton) joined his House colleagues this week in approving House Bill 110, Ohio’s two-year state operating budget that cuts taxes while investing in essential public services to keep Ohio safer, stronger, and open for business.

“The budget is a big win for the 83rd District and our state as a whole,” said Cross. “Expanding educational opportunities, supporting public safety, improving government accountability and developing our workforce will foster a pro-growth environment for Ohio.”

Cross highlighted key provisions positively impacting the 83rd District:

.$4 million for the Hardin County Water Quality Pilot Program at Shallow Run

.Increased funding by $2 million for the Owens Community College, University of Findlay, BGSU Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics at the Owens Community College Findlay Campus

.$3 million for the Multi-Agency Radio Communication System (MARCS) fee offset to support law enforcement and first responders.

.$2.5 million for the Commercial Truck Driver Student Aid Program to address to nation’s truck driver shortage

.Two-year pilot extension to apply for property tax exemptions for qualified energy projects to protect local solar development

The budget includes a two percent personal income tax cut for all Ohioans, which will reduce taxes and withholding amounts by approximately $380 million over the biennium.

H.B. 110 also creates the Fair School Funding Plan, a historic initiative that is the result of collaboration among educators and policymakers for the past three years. The plan begins a six-year phase-in, starting with the 2021-2022 school year and is designed to ensure a hold harmless period during the transition to the new formula. All schools in the 83rd District will be properly funded.

Cross championed two additional amendments, the first one authorizing an income tax deduction for all or a portion of capital gains received by investors in Ohio-based “venture capital operating companies.” This is designed to support economic development efforts by encouraging investment in Ohio while incentivizing long-term employment in the state. It has no fiscal effect on this budget, as it does not take effect until 2026.

“Using 2019 total venture capital dollars raised, every one percent in market share gained represents $505 million in additional venture capital raised in Ohio,” explained Cross. “The more market share we can gain, the more dollars will be invested into our workforce and to our community.”

The second additional amendment permits the parent or guardian of a high school student to opt out of the requirement to take a nationally standardized college admission assessment beginning with the class of 2026.

“ACT and SAT testing can be a harmful portrayal of the career readiness of a school district,” said Cross. “This amendment will allow students and their parents to not partake in an assessment that many universities and colleges are no longer requiring, saving taxpayer dollars.”

In addition, Cross noted the House removed provisions from Governor DeWine’s version of the budget regarding gun reform.

H.B. 110 now heads to the Senate for deliberation.

Cross discussed the budget and other legislative priorities during the Hardin County and Business Alliance Legislative Breakfast that was held this (Friday) morning at Kenton Elks 157.

 
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