Rep. Celebrezze, Ohio House Vote for Capital Appropriations Bill

State Rep. Nicholas J. Celebrezze (D-Parma) and the Ohio House today voted for the passage of the state’s capital appropriations bill, House Bill 497. Capital appropriations are only used for infrastructure improvements and, unlike the over $1 billion cut from local communities in recent years, the funds cannot be used for community programming, operating expenses or local personnel.

“I am extremely grateful and proud for the support today of the capital appropriations bill and the improvements that this will bring to our region,” said Rep. Celebrezze. “With this bill's passage, programs and facilities like the Providence House, the Ukrainian Museum, University Hospital and Tri-C will all receive needed influxes of capital. Additionally, our region’s cultural centers that are enjoyed by so many of our district's residents like Playhouse Square and the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame will also benefit from much needed updates. While this is only a drop in the bucket to help with the constant state cuts that local municipalities and programs have been encountering, I am confident that the Senate will approve these appropriations to the benefit of our district and region.”

Included in the bill was $675 million allocated for primary and secondary facilities, $454.5 million for higher education, with the remainder for public works and other agencies.

House Bill 497 now goes to the Senate for consideration.