Rep. Hiner Highlights Historic Investments and Tax Relief in State Budget for District 98

COLUMBUS – State Representative Mark Hiner (R-Howard) praised the passage of the State Operating Budget, which delivers major investments for District 98, advances critical property tax relief, and supports Ohio’s students, families, and businesses.

“This budget makes significant investments in District 98 and delivers meaningful wins for the people I represent,” Hiner said. “While there are areas I believe could have been improved, I am proud of the work we accomplished for Ohio’s families, farmers, and businesses.”

Investing in Ohio’s Communities

Representative Hiner, with the help of state and local partners, secured $58.75 million for the Conesville Industrial Park. This transformative project will revitalize the former AEP power plant site and create new opportunities for economic growth in the region.

The budget also includes $500,000 to expand waterlines from the City of Coshocton to the Village of Warsaw, ensuring safe, reliable water for residents and students while supporting future growth along the US-36 corridor.

“These projects are about building for the future and ensuring our communities have the resources they need to thrive,” Hiner said.

Delivering Property Tax Relief

Hiner proudly supported overriding the governor’s veto of Item 66, a provision aimed at bringing property tax relief to Ohioans. He also voiced his strong support for potential overrides of Items 55 and 65 and hopes the House will act on them in the near future.

“Ohio families and landowners have been asking for relief from skyrocketing property taxes, and this budget begins to deliver on that promise,” Hiner said. “I remain committed to working with my colleagues to bring even more savings and fairness to Ohio taxpayers.”

Prioritizing Education and Libraries

The budget prioritizes the education and well-being of Ohio students, ensuring that school districts are funded through the final phase of the Cupp-Patterson funding model. Ohio public schools will receive nearly $700 million more for public education over the biennium than they received in FY25. 

Additionally, Ohio’s libraries will see a new and more stable funding method. By making library funding a line item in the budget, the state has eliminated fluctuations caused by varying monthly tax payments and ensured more predictable support for these vital community resources.

“These investments show our commitment to education at every level, from our youngest learners to adults seeking new opportunities,” Hiner said.

Supporting Workforce Readiness and Higher Education

The budget also makes key investments in Ohio’s workforce and higher education system to prepare the next generation for success. It expands programs like Choose Ohio First Scholarships and provides additional resources for career technical education, helping Ohioans gain the skills they need for in-demand jobs.

“This is about making sure Ohioans are ready to fill the jobs of tomorrow and keeping our state’s economy strong,” Hiner said. “By supporting students, workers, and businesses alike, we’re building a stronger future for all of us.”

Supporting Ohio Families
To help families who need assistance paying for childcare, the budget establishes the Child Care Choice program, providing $100 million for eligible families, helping more Ohioans cover the cost of needed child care services. The bill also increases funding for the Help Me Grow program, which is a system of supports for pregnant women, caregivers with new babies, and families with young children with developmental delays and disabilities. 

“These are the kinds of investments that make a real difference in people’s lives,” Hiner said. “By expanding access to childcare and early childhood support, we’re helping working families, strengthening communities, and giving kids a better start.”

Backing the Blue

This budget invests in supporting law enforcement and promoting public safety by providing $65 million over the biennium for local law enforcement training, $21 million over the biennium to support local costs of the MARCS program, which helps equip first responders to better respond to emergency situations and $27 million over the biennium for the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center. Additionally, the budget includes $8 million to provide grants to small county volunteer fire departments. 

“Keeping our communities safe starts with making sure law enforcement and first responders have the tools and training they need,” Hiner said. “This funding is a strong investment in public safety, especially for the small and rural departments that often operate with limited resources.”

“This budget delivers in many ways for District 98, and I am grateful to the House leadership and our local partners for their work on these critical priorities,” Hiner added. “At the same time, I will continue advocating for responsible spending and common-sense solutions to the challenges Ohioans face.”