Schmidt Votes in Favor of State Operating Budget

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today passed House Bill 33, the State Operating Budget for fiscal years 2024-25, announced State Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland).

The House-led budget commits substantial resources to economic development, family enrichment, and community education. House Bill 33 is a fiscally responsible balanced budget that supports everyday Ohioans and lays the foundation for the future by investing in the state.

The House budget dedicates $90 million in additional funding for early childhood education over the biennium. This funding will support the growth of early childhood programs and increase available seats for preschool in school districts and child care centers, ultimately putting Ohio children on the path to success in school and the workforce.

“An investment in Ohio children is an investment in the future of our state,” said Schmidt. “I am proud to have worked on this important budget with my colleagues on the House Finance Committee.”

This legislation not only supports Ohio children, but ensures Ohioans of all ages are taken care of. Increasing state support for nursing facilities and expanding the Nursing Home Patients Bill of Rights, will ensure higher quality care and that elderly and disabled citizens are treated with dignity and respect.

The budget incorporates two pieces of legislation spearheaded by Schmidt in the Ohio House. House Bill 22 requires the Ohio Department of Health to establish a stroke registry—a statewide collection of data to monitor outcomes and better care for stroke patients. 

The House budget also incorporates House Bill 109, which further expands and increases security for the use of baby boxes in fire stations throughout Ohio. 

Additional provisions highlighted by Schmidt are as follows:

-          $500,000 for the United Way of Greater Cincinnati to support the Project Lift Program in Brown and Clermont counties

-          $2 million in TANF funding for Child Focus, Inc. to support workforce development and early learning and behavioral health services

-          An increase in wages for essential care providers in Medicaid-funded healthcare spaces

-          The replacement of the $75 cap for indigent defense reimbursement for whichever is greater: a cap of $75 or the rate on April 1, 2023

The state operating budget is a two-year budget that funds the operation of state agencies and programs. 

The budget awaits consideration from the Ohio Senate.