Rep. Sims says Bipartisan Passage of $11.5B Transportation Budget Creates New Jobs, Infrastructure Projects, and Economic Possibilities for Ohioans

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Veronica Sims (D-Akron) Wednesday helped pass the bipartisan Ohio Transportation Budget (House Bill 54) through the Ohio House of Representatives. The budget’s appropriation of $11.5B is a significant investment into the future of Ohio jobs, connecting the workforce to the worksite, and the bill will improve roads, bridges, and transit systems across Ohio.

“As a member of House Finance, I am pleased to have supported the largest jobs bill of the General Assembly both in committee and on the House floor, where both times it was passed unanimously,” said Rep. Sims. “This $11.5B will directly invest into our state’s infrastructure, while supporting our economy and workforce.”

Some provisions fought for by Rep. Sims and included in House Bill (HB) 54:

• $8B in statewide highway construction and maintenance projects over the Biennium;
• Nearly $200M for public transit, including$30M to continue the Ohio Workforce Mobility Partnership Program, which will continue progress toward meeting the state’s significant public transportation needs;
• Continued authorization for the distribution of gas tax revenue to cities, counties, and townships across Ohio to support local road maintenance;
• $18M for Transportation Improvement Districts to invest in local infrastructure across the state;
• Establishment of the Road Safety Pilot Program to assess speed compliance in construction zones, which will increase protections for construction workers on highways;
• Adoption of the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Compact, which creates the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission;
• Continuation of funding commitments to the Brent Spence Bridge which connects Ohio and Kentucky; 

HB 54 unanimously passed the House. It now heads to the Ohio Senate for consideration.