Lima Reporter

State Representative Angie King (R-Celina) has announced the approval of House Bill 96 by the Governor of Ohio, officially enacting the State Operating Budget into law. This budget allocates funding for state programs and operations over the next two years, focusing on freedom, family, and fiscal responsibility.

“I remain committed to investing in Ohio’s families and in the future of Ohio through a balanced budget,” said King. “This budget, I believe, achieves this through providing tax relief, removal of excess fees and strategic redevelopment opportunities.”

The budget includes a reduction in the top tax bracket from 3.5% to 3.125% in 2025 and further down to 2.75% in 2026. This shift aims to make Ohio more competitive with surrounding states by simplifying the tax code.

In terms of community revitalization, additional funding is provided for the Brownfield Remediation Program and demolition efforts. The "Welcome Home Ohio" program receives increased funding to expand eligibility for homeownership. New initiatives like the Residential Development Revolving Loan Program aim to spur housing construction across Ohio.

The budget also addresses childcare opportunities with expansions like the Childcare Choice Voucher Program. A First Responder Drone Pilot Program will be established with $2.5 million allocated for local law enforcement agencies.

Economic growth is supported by leveraging $1.7 billion from Ohio’s Unclaimed Funds account to create targeted investments such as the Brook Park–Cleveland Browns mixed-use stadium project.

“This is about putting idle money to work for Ohio,” stated King. “By unlocking unused resources, we can strengthen our communities, create jobs and position Ohio as a premier destination for major cultural and sporting events.”

Conservative values are reinforced within the budget through policies recognizing only two genders and prohibiting Medicaid funds from being used for DEI programs. Additional measures include expanding reports on abortion statistics and preventing menstrual products in men's bathrooms in state-owned buildings.

The final Budget bill also included Republican-led provisions that were vetoed: excluding sugar-sweetened beverages under SNAP; requiring libraries to keep certain materials out of minors' view; prohibiting specific flags at state agencies; and restricting funds for youth shelters promoting gender transition.