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House Dems say transportation budget moves state in right direction

Dems fought to secure more than $221M for public transit
March 25, 2021
Democratic Newsroom

House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) and House Finance Committee Ranking Member Rep. Erica C. Crawley (D-Columbus) issued statements following the final passage of House Bill (HB) 74, the state’s two-year transportation budget. Democrats fought against the governor’s proposed cuts to public transit funding in the bill, securing more than $221 million over the next two years, more than doubling the governor’s proposed investment. 

“This isn’t a Democratic budget, but Democrats fought to improve the bill to more than double public transit funding, a major win for working people and families that will make it easier for Ohioans to get to work, go to school and earn a living,” said Leader Sykes. “This budget moves us in the right direction and makes critical investments to improve the lives of everyday Ohioans and build an economy that works for everyone.”

Other key Democratic wins in the transportation budget include:

Ensuring fairness and transparency of taxpayer dollars by requiring more highway construction and maintenance projects are subject to competitive bidding;
Removing the governor’s proposed hikes in vehicle registration and other fees to save Ohioans money;
Securing funds for public transit vouchers for victims of domestic violence who need help getting to court, medical appointments and school;

“Public transit is a business friendly, pro-growth investment in our economy and in the opportunity for working people and families to pursue the American dream,” said Rep. Crawley. “Democrats delivered a major win by reversing the governor’s cuts to public transit and securing more than $221 million to get our state back on track and our economy moving again.”

The transportation budget now moves to the governor to be signed into law.