NE Ohio Times

State Representative Steve Demetriou, representing Bainbridge Township, supported Am. Sub. House Bill 96, the House version of the State Operating Budget, which promises significant changes for Ohioans. The budget plan allocates over $4 billion in property tax relief and includes an increase in school funding for every district in fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

Representative Demetriou stated, “I proudly voted in support of House Bill 96, a budget that invests in education, economic development, and access to resources like public libraries. Additionally, Ohioans have spoken, they want property tax relief. This budget provides more than $4 billion dollars in direct relief to homeowners across the state.”

The bill proposes nearly a billion dollars in funding for Ohio’s public libraries, an increase of over 20% from 2020. Public library funding will see a $7.2 million boost compared to the previous budget, ensuring each county receives more funds in the next biennium.

Funding for public schools will also increase, with an additional $207.6 million in FY26 and $347.6 million in FY27 compared to FY25, totaling a $555.2 million increase in state aid.

A plan to offer over $4 billion in property tax relief is also included. Schools retaining over 30% in unspent cash at the year-end will have funds redistributed as property tax relief. In FY24, 486 districts retained more than 30% of their expenditures as cash.

State initiatives, including funding for Brownfield Remediation and the Welcome Home Ohio program, will receive enhanced support. A new Child Care Choice program will provide $100 million each year to eligible families for child care costs.

Higher education funding sees a focus on workforce readiness, with investments in scholarships and a 2% increase in State Share of Instruction. The bill supports Ohio’s TechCred program for employer-driven upskilling.

School choice is bolstered by increased scholarships and new education savings accounts for parents of non-chartered non-public school students.

Efforts to ensure Medicaid transparency are included, requiring the Ohio Department of Medicaid to adhere to new reporting requirements for oversight.

House Bill 96 moves to the Ohio Senate for further deliberation.