Patton, General Assembly Approves State Budget
State Rep. Tom Patton (R-Strongsville) voted to support the state operating budget bill, which passed in the General Assembly on Friday. The legislation provides billions in funding over the next two fiscal years to build a strong foundation for the state’s future.
“I’m proud of my colleagues in the Ohio House for sticking up for our priorities that’s going to make our state a better place to work, play, and live for Ohio families,” Patton said. “We have massive investments going into our education system, workforce and economic development, and tax cuts for the middle class that will benefit everyone in our state.”
Patton noted the budget includes $5M for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Some other local items included:
- Cleveland Museum of Natural History STEM education program - $500,000
- Cleveland Museum of Art - $500,000
- Cleveland Orchestra - $500,000
Specific highlights of the finalized state budget includes:
Taxes
- Income tax rate of 0% for those making $0 to $26,000.
- Income tax rate of 2.75% for those making $26,000 to $100,000.
- Income tax rate of 3.5% for those making above $100,000.
- Two-week sales tax holiday event that will be held starting August 2024.
- The homestead exemption and has indexed it for inflation, ensuring that seniors and veterans are protected from increases in property taxes.
- Maintained the commercial activity tax (CAT) beginning in 2024 for businesses grossing $3M or less and $6M beginning in 2025, which will affect a significant portion of Ohio-based businesses.
Education
- Fully funds Fair School Funding Formula with over $16 billion in primary and secondary education.
- Expands school choice with a universal voucher program with House amendment language that protects lower income families.
- Increases the base teacher salary to $35,000.
- Establishes the Department of Education and Workforce.
- Invests million in career tech and STEM education programs.
- Funds free and reduced school breakfast and lunch programs.
- Establishes scholarship program to keep Ohio’s best and brightest.
Higher Education
- Establishes a merit scholarship program to keep Ohio’s best and brightest.
- The top 5% of each class is eligible for a scholarship to an Ohio college or university.
- The budget increases the eligibility for the Ohio College Opportunity Grants.
- Places a 3% tuition cap at all public colleges and universities.
- FAFSA and financial literacy is required.
Economic Development and Infrastructure
- Establishes the All Ohio Future Fund with $750M for site development to spur economic development.
- Continues investment in H2Ohio.
- Includes Brownfield remediation funding.
Pro-Family
- SNAP benefits for families to ensure access to nutrition.
- Requires Medicaid coverage of donor breast milk and milk fortifies to help infant development.
- Establishes the Department of Children and Youth.
- Childcare infrastructure at $16M.
- Invests in early childhood education over $32M.
Health and Human Services
- The budget provides for rate increases for various healthcare providers.
- Increases state support for nursing facilities that will provide higher quality care.
Local Government and Public Safety
- MARCS reimbursement to assist first responders with public safety.
- Provides $10M in support to Ohio's county and independent fairs will provide them with a boost to their economic impact through facility upgrades, construction, and create new job opportunities related to tourism.
- Provides funding for rail safety crossings to enhance safety measures and prevent accidents.
- Funding for law enforcement training.
The budget was signed into law by Gov. DeWine on July 4.