By Andi Anderson
The Ohio House of Representatives has passed a new state budget bill, House Bill 96, by a vote of 60 to 39 after two months of discussions and testimony. The proposed budget outlines around $30.1 billion in spending for fiscal year 2026 and approximately $31 billion for 2027, not including federal funding.
House Speaker Matt Huffman described the bill as the most significant budget of his legislative career, saying it covers a wide range of issues more than any previous budget. However, the budget received no support from Democrats, who criticized its potential negative impacts. Some Republican lawmakers also voted against it.
“This is the most consequential budget that I’ve been in and this is now my 17th year in the General Assembly,” said House Speaker Matt Huffman (R-Lima). “It does more things on more fronts than any budget that I’ve ever been involved in.”
Key elements of the bill include changes to education funding. While public school funding is revised, the bill also increases financial support for private school vouchers and introduces education savings accounts. A new limit is also set for how much money school districts can keep in reserve. If reserves exceed 30%, tax relief would be provided to homeowners.
Instead of increasing sports betting taxes, the bill proposes $600 million in state bonds for a new domed stadium near Cleveland, backed by the Haslam family. Lawmakers have raised the required contribution from the Haslams to $50 million.
Other notable additions include increased library funding, a shift in library financing methods, pay raises for public officials, and changes to how certain county positions are filled.
The budget also introduces:
- A legal definition recognizing only two sexes
- Restrictions on flag displays at government buildings
- A ban on Medicaid funding for diversity programs
- Income tax deductions for donations to pregnancy center
- The removal of the Ohio Elections Commission in 2026
- Higher vehicle registration fees
- Mandatory age checks for online adult content
The bill now moves to the Senate, which plans a final vote by June 12, aiming to meet the June 30 deadline.
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Categories: Ohio, Government & Policy