Richardson Helps Pass State Operating Budget

COLUMBUS – The Ohio House of Representatives has passed the state operating budget with the vote of State Representative Tracy Richardson (R-Marysville) Friday after two weeks of conference committee meetings between the House and Senate. 

 “Today is a win for Ohioans,” said Richardson. “After months of work, we had an opportunity to positively impact many lives with this budget and I believe we have. From reducing taxes and improving educational funding, to supporting our veterans, famers and aging population, there is something in this budget that will benefit everyone.”

Richardson, who chairs the House Finance Subcommittee for Primary and Secondary Education, fought to restore investment of over $16 billion in school funding. These funds will finance the Fair School Funding Plan and will make landmark investments in the universal school voucher program. 

Part of the education package in the budget also includes $300 million to finance career technical schools around the state and over $32 million over the biennium will focus on initiatives that support and enhance educational opportunities for young children.

To keep more money in Ohioans pockets, the operating budget increases income tax cuts by creating two brackets. Under this new system, individuals earning between $26,050 and $100,000 will benefit from an income tax rate of 2.75%. Meanwhile, those earning above $100,000 will have a flattened rate of 3.5%. A committee to study how to reduce sharp increases in property taxes has also been created.

The budget has dedicated funds 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. Improvements to the MARCS program will also ensure first responders from across different and agencies and departments can talk to each other on the same system.

The state will also increase support for Ohio’s aging population by expanding the Nursing Home Patients Bill of Rights to provide critical protections for vulnerable Ohioans. These improvements will ensure nursing home residents have access to quality care by holding nursing facilities accountable to a higher standard of care.