Rep. Brent Announces Passage of State Capital Budget

COLUMBUS - State Rep. Juanita O. Brent (D-Cleveland) this week voted to pass Senate Bill (SB) 450, the $3.7 Billion Capital Budget Bill. The bill allocates nearly $4B for the maintenance, renovation, and construction of state-owned infrastructure, including colleges, school districts, and other community projects. Senate Bill 450 passed with a (93-2) vote.

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.

“When we invest state dollars into local infrastructure, youth programs, and behavioral healthcare, we build a stronger, more resilient future for everyone” said Rep. Brent. “Senate Bill 450 delivers a massive victory for our neighborhoods, highlighted by a game-changing $10 million injection to revitalize East Cleveland’s roads and infrastructure. We are also standing up for our families by delivering crucial funding to landmarks like the Cumberland Aquatic Facility, Bellefaire JCB, and the Cuyahoga County Behavioral Health Crisis Center. This state funding is going directly to work where it matters most, improving our public spaces and creating a safer, more vibrant place to call home.”

The $3.7 Billion Capital Budget funds will be distributed to several local entities, in House District 18 including:

• $10 Million; East Cleveland Business District Road & Infrastructure improvements
• $650,000; Bellefaire Jewish Children's Bureau
• $300,000; Cleveland Heights Cumberland Aquatic Facility
• $250,000; Western Reserve Historical Society Project
• $100,000; A Home 4 Me Facility (Motivated & Empowered Inc)
• $100,000; Nature Center Education Pavilion Replacement
• $100,000; Mill Creek Restoration Project (NEORSD)
• $75,000; Orange Village Community Amphitheater
• $18,000; Heights Dobama Theatre Improvements

Notable Items in Cuyahoga County:

• $1,700,000; Cuyahoga County Behavioral Health Crisis Center
• $200,000; Cleveland Habitat for Humanity Building Project
• $200,000; Providence House Community Healthcare Hub
• $100,000; Lutheran Metro Ministry Workforce Training Center
• $100,000; Transplant House of Cleveland
• $100,000; Superior Farm Food Project
• $85,000; Near West Theatre
• $50,000; African Town Plaza