Governor Mike DeWine’s approval of a multi-billion dollar spending bill on Friday morning heralds the allocation of $4.2 billion across the state and, as the governor himself stated, represents a significant implementation of policies through fiscal measures.
Governor DeWine, along with prominent Republicans including Lt. Governor Jon Husted, House Speaker Jason Stevens and State Senator Stephanie Kunze, formally signed House Bill 2 at 10:10 a.m. and revealed that the bill includes a $700 million one-time fund funded from Ohio’s capital budget and tax surplus. This significant cash infusion includes a variety of initiatives, including a $7 million allocation for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, a $400,000 donation to a playground in Columbus and a $1 million investment in a park in Dayton.
The spending encompasses a wide range of initiatives, including support for K-12 schools, detention center projects, and significant funding for mental health facilities. Governor DeWine also highlighted the planned restoration of state parks and their lodges as a major beneficiary of the budget. In his speech, the Governor highlighted his intention to establish additional recovery homes to provide compassionate treatment options for people across Ohio.
Additionally, Lt. Governor Husted addressed the Legislature, highlighting funding for cybersecurity training at universities across the state. The bill also includes investments in the Ohio Highway Patrol Crime Lab to enhance toxicology testing, a critical measure to combat the 44% of highway fatalities that, as Governor DeWine noted, involve drugged driving.
Governor DeWine highlighted Ohio’s continued demand for skilled workers and underscored the state’s ongoing efforts to foster pathways to employment, a sentiment echoed by Lt. Governor Husted as he promoted efforts to help older workers stay in the workforce while accelerating opportunities for younger workers.
The bill was approved by both the House and Senate on the last day of the session before the summer recess and included a provision that would allow for immediate allocation of funds to the outlined projects if signed by the governor.
