Legislation Promoting Efficiency in Local Governments Passes Ohio House

During yesterday’s voting session, the Ohio House of Representatives concurred on budget-related amendments adopted by the Senate to Substitute House Bill 340.

The bill, sponsored by Representative Ron Amstutz (R-Wooster), extends operation of the Local Government Innovation Council through 2019, which would otherwise sunset at the end of this month. The council oversees financial assistance for local governments that provide efficient and innovative services.  Additionally, the current budget provides $20 million for facilities and equipment to local fire, law enforcement and emergency medical services through the council.

“This bill now resolves a variety of budget-related provisions that were identified and agreed to between the House, Senate and Kasich administration.  I am pleased that we had a cooperative effort by our budget leaders to clean up a few wrinkles in the operating budget,” Amstutz said.

Examples of other changes made by the enactment are:
 • Provides resources to fund a formula change affecting Tangible Personal Property tax supplements. This is not new money, but rather redirected funds from a previous piece of legislation in order to pay for the change.

 • Includes language to insure that funding appropriated in the budget supports a workforce grant program designed to incentivize students to pursue degrees and certificates that match the needs of Ohio’s jobs market.

 • Provides railroads a liability deduction in the commercial activity tax (CAT), which equals the increased amount they pay in the petroleum activity tax (PAT) in lieu of the CAT for dyed diesel fuel.

Substitute House Bill 340 now goes to the governor for his consideration.