Rep. Brown Piccolantonio Announces Passage of State Capital Budget, Securing Vital Community Investments in Central Ohio

COLUMBUS - State Rep. Beryl Brown Piccolantonio (D-Gahanna) today announced the passage of Senate Bill 450, the state's biennial capital appropriations budget. The bill allocates nearly $4B for the maintenance, renovation, and construction of state-owned infrastructure, including colleges, universities, school districts, and other community projects.

The capital budget is the mechanism by which the state funds its brick-and-mortar needs. This ranges from the construction and renovation of K-12 public schools and higher education facilities to public works programs and mental health treatment centers, as well as funding local community projects. It includes funding for projects that expand access to healthcare, strengthen local economies, preserve cultural institutions, improve public infrastructure, and enhance quality of life for residents across the region.

Rep. Brown Piccolantonio helped secure over $22 Million for Franklin County.  

“This capital budget will make significant investments into our community by funding projects spanning nutrition, workforce development, healthcare, education, and community infrastructure. These community projects will enhance the quality of life for all residents of House District 4 and make Ohio a better place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Rep. Brown Piccolantonio.

Approximately $2.6 Million will be distributed within HD 4:

• $1,500,000 to the Ohio Life Sciences Institute Training Center (New Albany)
  This purpose-built training center will strengthen Ohio’s advanced manufacturing workforce infrastructure and position the state to compete for high-wage pharmaceutical and biologics manufacturing investment. It will expand access to STEM career pathways for those already employed in the field as well as K–12 students and adult learners.
• $450,000 to Healthy New Albany for food pantry expansion
  In 2025, the HNA Food Pantry provided 248,760 meals to more than 1,500 individuals—37% of whom were children—supported by over 5,700 volunteer hours. Over the past year, the number of new families visiting the pantry has grown by 55%, reflecting the increasing pressures of housing and food costs across central Ohio. The new building will more than double the current pantry capacity and ensure the pantry is fully accessible for all clients, volunteers and staff.
• $200,000 to Dreams on Horseback (Blacklick)
  Dreams serves more than 2,4000 students, children, veterans, and cancer patients through therapeutic riding programs, which actively support social-emotional, behavioral, and educational development. 
• $200,000 to Life Town Village of Life (New Albany)
  The Village of Life is a simulated village where children with special needs practice life skills and learn resilience. This project will expand capacity for this safe, nurturing educational environment serving students of all grade levels.
• $150,000 to Jefferson Township for Community Facility Expansion
  The upgraded space will provide safer, more accessible, and more functional accommodations for residents conducting business with the Township and attending public meetings. Expanded and improved meeting areas will also support community engagement and coordination of services that benefit Jefferson Township and the surrounding area.
• $100,000 to the City of Gahanna for Creekside Park
  The Creekside District is the heart of Gahanna's downtown, serves thousands of visitors annually, and functions as the community's primary gathering space. This revitalization project will transform the Plaza into a safer, more accessible, and more usable space that is open and welcoming year-round, while expanding opportunities for community engagement and informal recreation for residents and visitors.

SB 450 now heads to the governor's desk for his signature.