Carruthers Votes in Favor of State Operating Budget

COLUMBUS – The Ohio House of Representatives yesterday passed House Bill 33, the State Operating Budget for fiscal years 2024-25, announced State Representative Sara Carruthers (R-Hamilton). The legislation includes a heavy focus on supporting Ohio’s most vulnerable.

“As Chairwoman of the House Finance Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, I’m very proud of my colleague’s coordinated efforts to pass a budget that benefits all Ohioans,” said Carruthers. “This budget commits resources to our priorities of protecting families, educating our communities, and growing our workforce.”

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

·         Direct Care Services- Supports an increase in base payment rates for certain direct care services under the home and community-based waivers administered by the Department of Developmental Disabilities.

·         Fringe Industries-Earmarks funds for Fringe Industries, a non-profit that employs and empowers recently released ex-felons. Fringe Industries seeks to restore value, dignity, and worth to each individual involved by helping them find their voice, share their stories, and re-imagine their future.

·         Inspireducation- Earmarks funds for Inspireducation which will be used to support educational planning, financial literacy, and college and career counseling services to promote workforce development and reduce student loan debt.

·         Program and Project Support – Appropriates funds from University of Cincinnati Clinical Teaching to the Program and Project Support for the People Working Cooperatively (PWC) for the Safe and Healthy at Home Initiative. PWC is a non-profit based in Cincinnati that provides critical home repair and accessibility modification services for eligible homeowners whose typical income is just $14,000 a year. The organization helps those who are facing hardships due to illness, disability, job loss, or other circumstances. 

·         Siemer Institute – Extends a TANF Block Grant to the Siemer Institute, which oversees programs aimed at helping families with school-aged children at risk of homelessness. Through community partnerships with United Ways across the country, including those in Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Toledo, families meet one-on-one with a trusted professional who can guide them out of crisis and into stability. Case managers work intensely with families for up to 18 months to stabilize housing, master financial management skills, and find ways to increase household income. 

Additionally, the budget bill includes targeted investments to support moms and babies, increased access to education and childcare, and upgrades in healthcare facilities, including Ohio’s Veterans Homes.

The legislation now moves to the Senate for further consideration and deliberations.