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Senate President Larry Obhof (R-Medina) and Speaker of the House Clifford A. Rosenberger (R-Clarksville) today introduced the state's Capital Budget, a $2.62 billion investment in Ohio's infrastructure and local community projects.
The legislature generally approves a capital budget every two years with the goal of funding needed improvements to public services and facilities across the state, including schools, roads and bridges, waterways and parks. The companion bills introduced today in each chamber also increase the capital investment in mental health and addiction services facilities.
“The state capital budget plays a major role in bringing jobs and opportunities to our hometowns, and we are able to make these investments because of responsible management of the state’s finances,” said Obhof. “I appreciate the partnership of the Speaker and the administration in working with our local communities to understand their needs and priorities.”
"This capital budget will give the legislature a tremendous opportunity to address several infrastructure and construction projects that will generate a positive return on investment for communities all across the state," said Rosenberger. "I want to commend the members of the legislature and local leaders for their collaboration and commitment to helping improve the lives of so many Ohioans through this legislation."
“Over the last several months, we’ve worked hand in hand with local government and community leaders to understand what is most needed locally,” added Senator Scott Oelslager (R-North Canton), Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. “I’m especially pleased that we were able to increase funding for opioid, mental health and addiction services. These investments will help improve the lives of Ohioans around the state."
"I appreciate the members of both the House and Senate working together to ensure that this bill benefits Ohioans throughout the state," added Rep. Scott Ryan (R-Granville Township), Vice Chair of the House Finance Committee. "I look forward to seeing the enhancements in our communities that are made because of the efforts that were put into the individual projects."
STATEWIDE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CAPITAL BILL:
Supporting Ohio's Schools
- $600 million will be invested in local school construction, including repairs, renovations and maintenance for primary and secondary facilities.
- Over $483 million will be invested in projects supporting Ohio’s 37 public colleges and universities.
Supporting Ohio's Infrastructure
- $514 million will go to local infrastructure projects through the Public Works Commission, including local roads, bridges, water-supply systems, storm sewers and wastewater systems.
- This includes $100 million to support the Clean Ohio program, which funds the preservation of green space, farmland, open spaces and expanded recreational opportunities.
- Over $234 million for the maintenance and preservation of Ohio’s dams, parks, trails, waterways and wildlife.
Supporting Ohioans in Need
- Nearly $222 million will be invested in critical health and human services funding for youth services, developmental disabilities, mental health, addiction treatment and women’s health initiatives, over double the amount spent in the last capital budget.
- This includes $20 million for new opioid community resiliency projects.
Supporting Ohio's Communities
- Nearly $150 million will be used for economic development and cultural projects of local and regional importance to boost growth and increase opportunities throughout the state, in addition to supporting the healthcare projects above.
- A full list of local projects by county and agency will be available online at www.lsc.ohio.gov by the time the Senate and House Finance committees meet on Tuesday, February 27.
The companion bills were introduced today in the Ohio Senate as Senate Bill 266 and in the Ohio House as House Bill 529 and are available for review at www.legislature.ohio.gov. Hearings begin Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. in the Senate Finance Committee and 11:00 a.m. in the House Finance Committee and will be broadcast live by The Ohio Channel.
For more information on the Capital Budget bill process, visit http://www.obm.ohio.gov/budget/capital/.
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