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Baldridge Supports House Budget Bill

April 21, 2021
Republican Newsroom

COLUMBUS – The Ohio House of Representatives today passed House Bill 110, the House’s version of Ohio’s two-year budget plan. State Representative Brian Baldridge (R-Winchester) was a “yes” vote on the bill. Among various aspects, the legislation creates a fair school funding plan, supports law enforcement and firefighters and provides a two percent income tax cut.

 “I was proud to vote in support of House Bill 110 today,” said Baldridge. “There are several provisions in the complex bill that will better southern Ohio through funds for local programs and COVID-19 relief grants. This budget bill benefits individuals and businesses alike throughout the state.”

The school funding reform plan included in the legislation is the result of more than three years of work by educators and policymakers. The Fair School Funding Plan is fair to all of Ohio’s public schools and its formula is predictable, sustainable and transparent. The budget also appropriates $500 thousand each fiscal year to expand the federally funded Model Demonstration Project for Early Identification of Students with Dyslexia Grant Program, which fund pilot programs to address the literacy needs of students in preschool.

House Bill 110 provides a two percent income tax cut across the board, saving Ohio tax payers approximately $380 over the biennium. The bill also establishes greater government oversight and accountability to ensure that state resources are being spent reasonably and used in a manner consistent with the intent of the General Assembly.

The bill supports law enforcement, firefighters and public safety by funding a series of initiatives to support those who protect and serve Ohioans every day. Some of these initiatives include the following:

  • $26 million for Recovery Ohio Law Enforcement to support anti-narcotics efforts
  • $24 million for safety grants for schools
  • $15 million for a one-year police training pilot program to assist law enforcement agencies with training costs
  • $10 million for grants to small fire departments for equipment and training
  • $10 million for grants to state and local law enforcement agencies to implement or enhance body-worn camera programs

Additionally, the legislation appropriates $155 million in grants for industries negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including newly formed businesses. Grants from this funding will be available in the fiscal year beginning July 1. The grants include the following:

  • $100 million for bars and restaurants
  • $25 million for the lodging industry
  • $20 million for indoor and outdoor entertainment venues
  • $10 million for new businesses

The above are highlights of the very complex bill. More information on House Bill 110 can be found at https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA134-HB-110. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.