Miller Votes in Favor of State Budget Bill

COLUMBUS – State Representative Kevin Miller (R-Newark) voted in favor of House Bill 33, the two-year State Operating Budget for Fiscal Years 2024-2025. Legislation highlights include increased support for public safety measures, first responders, and veterans.

“Taking care of those who protect us in our communities and overseas is a cause I’m passionate about,” Miller said. “I am thankful to my colleagues for also recognizing that an investment in public safety and increased accessibility to behavioral health services will make it so all Ohioans can feel safe and supported.”

Miller submitted and supported several amendments that are in the bill, including:

·                     eWarrants – Supports the Department of Public Safety’s eWarrants system, a statewide criminal justice database created to improve the accuracy of state and federal background checks and increase efficiency when filing warrants and protection orders.  

·                     Local Jail Grants Fund- Increases the amount allocated to the Local Jail Grants Fund.  These grants will support construction, renovation, and security improvement projects in jails across the state.

·                     Save a Warrior- Extends support to the “Save a Warrior” Foundation for their program that helps first responders suffering from severe forms of PTSD. 

·                     St. Vincent Family Services- Allocates funding for pediatric behavioral health workforce retention and development through St. Vincent Family Services. SVFS offers families a comprehensive range of youth behavioral health services, including 24/7 residential care, individual and family counseling, and in-home and in-school care.

·                     USA Cares- Provides support for USA Cares, a program that helps post-9/11 military veterans, service members, and their families with financial assistance and post-service skills training to create a foundation for long-term stability.  Their services improve the quality of life for veterans and reduce the potential factors that can contribute to veteran suicide.

Additionally, the budget bill includes an appropriation for the Buckeye Lake Region Corporation to help with development planning, technical assistance, and assistance for small businesses. 

“The amendment for the Buckeye Lake Region Corporation will support the efforts to make Buckeye Lake a year-round destination,” Miller said. “This project will enhance economic opportunities for those living in Fairfield, Licking, and Perry counties.”

Other provisions highlighted by Miller include an increase in telecommunications services:

·         $45.8 million over the biennium allocated to the Next Generation 911 Fund

·         An increase in MARCS (Multi-Agency Radio Communications Systems) funding that assists local public service entities with user fees 

The measure now heads to the Senate for further consideration.