Rep. Grim Votes for Operating Budget, Says More Work Needs to Be Done

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Michele Grim (D-Toledo) today voted to approve Ohio’s Operating Budget (HB 33) and made the following statement:

“The budget passed today has several problems with it, and does not take the steps necessary to adequately invest in Ohio’s future. Nevertheless, House Bill 33 funds several important local and statewide priorities. HB 33 increases state funding for Toledo Public Schools by $21.8 million and funding for Washington Local Schools by $14 million. We are continuing to invest in the Maritime Assistance Program, which will spur economic development on Lake Erie and in Toledo. We are funding neighborhood revitalization activities in South Toledo and delivering badly needed resources to our stretched-thin food banks.”

“This budget is not perfect, and more work will need to be done. As a member of the minority caucus serving on the House Finance Committee, I will continue to work to deliver results for Toledoans under challenging circumstances,” said Rep. Grim.

Two key amendments introduced by Representative Grim made it into the final version of the budget. The first amendment ensures victims of sexual assault have the right to know the status of their examination kit. The amendment further requires the Ohio Attorney General to compile data regarding sexual assault examination kit inventory throughout the state and release an annual report to the public. The second amendment requires each school district that enrolls girls in grades 6-12 to provide free menstrual products to those students. An appropriation of $5 million is allocated to assist school districts in purchasing dispensers and products.

Key priorities for Lucas County and its surrounding area include:

• $10 million for the Ohio Maritime Assistance Program to strengthen trade routes and infrastructure in Lake Erie
• $1.3 million for food banks and pantries in Lucas County
• $1 million for lead abatement projects in the Historic South neighborhood
• $150,000 to support the Jack Ford Urban Affairs Center at the University of Toledo
• $75 million for the Local Jail Grants Fund to provide grants for county jail construction and renovation projects
• $5 million to support lodging (through organizations like the Ronald McDonald House in Toledo) for children undergoing treatments for severe illnesses
• $500,000 to support the Ohio ProStart school culinary program and its affiliations, including Whitmer High School
• $300,000 to support students at the University of Toledo and across the state who participate in the Washington Center Internship Program