Ohio House Passes State Main Operating Budget

Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio House of Representatives last week passed House Bill 33, the state’s main operating budget, with a sweeping vote of 67-30, announced State Rep. Jamie Callender (R- Concord). This vote comes after 6 months of work in both the House and Senate where thousands of hours of testimony were heard, hundreds of amendments were offered, and the initially 4311 page document was reviewed by agencies, elected officials, and members the public. Several projects that directly impact the residents of Lake County, North East Ohio, and people all across Ohio have been included in the budget—projects ranging from supporting public education, enabling access to arts and cultural institutions, and preserving our natural resources. 

One of the items restored to the House version of the budget was the Fair School Funding Formula’s continued phase in (HB1, 134th General Assembly, Callender/Sweeney). This funding formula reduces local K-12 schools’ reliance on property taxes by increasing the state share of education funding and creating predictability year over year in state funding. The House version of the budget will see Lake County schools receive an additional $10.1 million in funding over the next two fiscal years. 

“Ensuring that our children have access the tools and resources they need to excel in their education is critical to not only their success, but the success of the whole region,” said Callender. “By fostering lifelong learning, students will be equipped to enter adulthood as well rounded, inquisitive, and driven members of our community.” 

Other projects that will impact the residents of Lake County are:

• Restoring to the House version $5 million in funding for the Bacon Road repair project to sure up Lake County’s coastline and water supply;
• $500,000 in funding for the Alliance for Working Together to support their ongoing efforts to introduce K-12 students to modern manufacturing, robotics, and the skilled trades; and 
• $3 million to support the Mentor Harbor Erosion Mitigation Project aimed at repairing damage to the Mentor Harbor inlet from a storm in late 2022. 

“Infrastructure investments like this are critical to ensuring Lake County is able to maintain safe and reliable access to clean water,” said Lake County Commissioner John Hamercheck. “Repairing and strengthening the Bacon Road Pump Station will not only benefit our residents, but our businesses and safety services.” 

Greater Cleveland was also well supported in this budget, including funding for arts and cultural institutions, educational opportunities, and supporting vulnerable members of our community. 

Restored to the House version of the budget were the following allocations:

• $5 million for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
• $1.2 million for Birthing Beautiful Communities in Cleveland
• $600,000 for the Cleveland Institute of Music
• $500,000 for the Cleveland Museum of Natural History
• $500,000 for the Cleveland Museum of Art
• $500,000 for the Cleveland Orchestra
• $500,000 for the Benjamin Rose Institute on Ageing 

“Benjamin Rose and the elderly population that we serve are particularly grateful for the leadership demonstrated by Representative Callender and for his commitment to support the most vulnerable senior citizens in Northeast Ohio,” said Orion Bell, President and CEO of the Benjamin Rose Institute. 

“Representative Callender’s steadfast commitment to reducing the unacceptable rate of infant mortality in Northeast Ohio is not only commendable, but also critical for the at-risk babies and mothers we serve,” said Jazmin Long, CEO of Birthing Beautiful Communities. 

Also included in the as passed version of House Bill 33 is:

• $10 million for capital improvements at the Cleveland Foodbank;
• $375,000 for the Foundry’s Row, Sail, Dream program; and
• $450,000 for the Cuyahoga County Senior Transportation Connection Modernization Project,

While primarily focused around budgetary measures, several permanent law changes where included in the House Bill 33 including: 

• Creating a license and Statewide Advisory board of Doula services;
• Creating a license for Art Therapists;
• Creating a license for Music Therapists; and 
• Requiring the State Fire Marshal, in coordination with the board of building standards and local representatives, to develop guidelines for the enforcement of the Ohio Building Code and Fire Code in a coordinated manner. This excludes patio spaces that are open on 3 sides with means of egress compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act to not count against building occupancy. 

“Representative Callender’s longtime commitment and statewide support of the winery and travel and tourism industries is extraordinary,” stated Donnie Winchell, Executive Director of the Ohio Wine Producers Association. “The economic impact of Representative Callender’s support in Lake and Ashtabula counties is enormous.” 

All of this has been accomplished while reducing regulation on businesses, cutting taxes for Ohio families, empowering local governments, and securing Ohio’s future as a leader as the best place in the nation to work, live, and rise a family. 

“Today’s vote signifies Ohio commitment to our residents, businesses, and future generations,” said Callender following the budget vote. “By investing in infrastructure, K-12 and Higher Education, and protecting the natural beauty of Ohio, thousands of current and future Ohioans will be able to find a rewarding career and raise a family.” 

House Bill 33 now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature.