Miller, General Assembly Approve State Budget Bill

State Rep. Kevin Miller (R-Newark) and the General Assembly passed House Bill 110, known as the two-year state operating budget for Fiscal Years 2022-2023. The legislation highlights include a new school funding reform plan, tax relief, jobs and economic support, and several other initiatives.

“It was an honor to be both appointed to the Ohio House of Representatives, but also to support the passage of this critical state budget,” said Miller. “I’ve been following legislation moving through the Legislature and to the House floor. I am proud to have the opportunity to cast a vote in support of legislation that will improve the lives of my constituents in the 72nd House District.”

The school funding reform plan included in the bill is the result of more than three years of work by educators and policymakers. The Fair School Funding Plan is predictable, sustainable and transparent. 

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 $2 billion over the biennium.

Additionally, the budget bill has targeted investments to support Ohio jobs, businesses and the economy. This portion of the bill focuses on expanding procurement law to give preference to American and Ohio products. The legislation also focuses on workforce development through a committee to study workforce training and several programs to support employment opportunities.

House Bill 110 also includes a series of provisions in support of law enforcement, firefighters and veterans. Some of the initiatives include funding for training and equipment, support for veterans organizations, and funding for the Ohio Cyber Reserve.

The new budget also entails House Bill 2, which creates the Ohio Residential Broadband Expansion Grant Program and the Ohio Broadband Expansion Program Authority. This initiative includes more than $250 million to support the grants.

The budget plan, under House Bill 110, now heads to the governor for further action.