Robb Blasdel, General Assembly Approve State Budget

State Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana County) voted to support the state operating budget bill, which passed in the General Assembly on Friday. The legislation provides billions in funding over the next two fiscal years to build a strong foundation for the state’s future.

“While serving on the House Finance Committee during the last few months, we worked to deliver a budget that helps everyone throughout the state,” Robb Blasdel said. “We have delivered in investing in our workforce and economy, education for our children, and money coming right back here to Columbiana County - it’s a budget that will deliver for all Ohio families.”

Robb Blasdel also notes provisions she introduced will fund rail safety crossing to enhance safety measures and prevent accidents. Additionally, the representative secured $250,000 local dollars for the City of Columbiana mobile command post. Robb Blasdel also secured a deduction against the personal income tax for government or railroad company payments, including for lost business, received by a taxpayer as the result of the train derailment in East Palestine.

Specific highlights of the finalized state budget includes:

Taxes

• Income tax rate of 0% for those making $0 to $26,000.
• 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.  
• Two-week sales tax holiday event that will be held starting August 2024.
• The homestead exemption and has indexed it for inflation, ensuring that seniors and veterans are protected from increases in property taxes.
• Maintained the commercial activity tax (CAT) beginning in 2024 for businesses grossing $3M or less and $6M beginning in 2025, which will affect a significant portion of Ohio-based businesses.

Education

• Fully funds Fair School Funding Formula with over $16 billion in primary and secondary education.
• Expands school choice with a universal voucher program with House amendment language that protects lower income families. 
• Increases the base teacher salary to $35,000.
• Establishes the Department of Education and Workforce.
• Invests million in career tech and STEM education programs. 
• Funds free and reduced school breakfast and lunch programs.
• Establishes scholarship program to keep Ohio’s best and brightest
• Economic Development and Infrastructure
• Establishes the All Ohio Future Fund with $750M for site development to spur economic development and job creation.
• Continues investment in H2Ohio.
• Includes Brownfield remediation funding.

Pro-Family

• SNAP benefits for families to ensure access to nutrition. 
• Requiring Medicaid coverage of donor breast milk and milk fortifies to help infant development.
• Childcare infrastructure at $16M.
• Investing in early childhood education over $32M.
• Funding for Ohio’s Foodbanks. 
• Higher Education
• Establishes a merit scholarship program to keep Ohio’s best and brightest.
• The top 5% of each class is eligible for a scholarship to an Ohio college or university. 
• The budget increases the eligibility for the Ohio College Opportunity Grants.
• Places a 3% tuition cap at all public colleges and universities.
• Public Safety
• MARCS reimbursement to assist first responders with public safety.
• Funding for the implementation of the Next Gen 9-1-1 program in Ohio. This empowers first responders with advanced technology and capabilities to serve the public effectively in emergencies.
• Funding for law enforcement training.

The budget bill now moves to the governor for his consideration.