Reps. Brown, Kunze Join Gov. Kasich in Supporting Projects to Strengthen Local Governments, Infrastructure

State Representatives Tim Brown (R-Bowling Green) and Stephanie Kunze (R-Hilliard) today joined Governor John Kasich and other legislative leaders in a press conference to support reauthorizing funding for the Ohio Public Works Commission (PWC).

The PWC provides financing for local government infrastructure improvements such as roads, bridges, solid waste disposal, water supply, storm water collection and waste water treatment. The renewal of these bonds, which will be put before voters on the May ballot, would authorize $1.875 billion of funding over 10 years without raising taxes on Ohioans.

Companion resolutions—House Joint Resolution 9 and Senate Joint Resolution 6—were introduced earlier this month to help move the process along in each chamber.

“Our state has navigated through a very tough economy by tightening the belt and prudently managing,” Brown said. “Ohio now is in solid fiscal condition and able to reauthorize this important infrastructure funding.”

The Ohio Public Works Commission was created in 1987 after being approved by voters as an amendment to the Ohio Constitution and has twice been reauthorized by voters. Since that time, it has provided more than $3 billion in assistance to local governments for infrastructure projects. The program’s current bonding authority is set to expire soon.

Governor Kasich and legislative leaders have highlighted that the state now is in better position to renew this program because of smart budgeting policies that have resulted in a more positive financial outlook and the revitalization of Ohio’s Budget Stabilization Fund, otherwise known as the “rainy day fund.”

“HJR 9 and SJR 6 are a vitally important investment to maintaining the infrastructure needs of our state and local partners by providing additional jobs and revenue as well as improving the safety of our communities,” Kunze said.