Senate Officially Passes Bold Operating Budget Plan for Next Two Years

State Senator Al Cutrona (R-Canfield) and his colleagues in the Ohio Senate approved the Senate's final version of the state's Main Operating Budget (House Bill 96) which invests $634 million into K-12 public schools.  

"While this bill is a step in the right direction, there are still plenty of improvements that can be made," said Cutrona. "As this bill heads to conference committee, I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House to find a common sense solution to our property tax crisis and bring much-needed relief to the hardworking men and women of Ohio."

In support of farmers and agricultural workers, Senator Cutrona was able to maintain the sales tax exemption for grain bins and agricultural tile. This lowers costs for farmers and prevents them from paying exorbitant amounts in taxes on already expensive products. It also promotes farm productivity leading to long term stewardship and economic sustainability.

Senator Cutrona also included within the Senate's budget plan support for a number of one-time projects that will have a direct impact on the 33rd District. These projects include $500k for Boardman Township for flood mitigation, $185k reappropriation for the Village of Poland, and a total of $1.25 million for the Youngstown State University Excellence Training Center.

Also included as a result of Senator Cutrona's support, is $300k for Transplant House of Cleveland which serves patients across the 33rd District, particularly Mahoning County. Transplant House is Ohio's largest temporary housing for patients and families receiving medical transplants at a clinic.  

Additionally, Senator Cutrona was able to include $250k for the Eastgate Regional Council of Governments to support the study and construction of an oil and natural gas pipeline within Ashtabula, Columbiana, Mahoning, and Trumbull counties.

To combat the recent rise of antisemitism, Senator Cutrona made sure that the Senate restored funding for Security Grants administered by the Ohio Emergency Management Association (EMA). The funding was restored to $8.5 million per fiscal year. These competitive grants are used by houses of worship to improve security and training for these organizations.

To ensure Ohio's elections are fair and accurate, the Senate included a provision eliminating the Ohio Elections Commission and replace it with a five-member Ohio Election Integrity Commission. This commission is to be composed of members appointed by the Secretary of State and the leaders of the General Assembly so that proper checks and balances will be maintained.

The Senate budget also makes a $100 million commitment to address the housing shortage in Ohio. $90 million will be directed into a revolving loan fund for local governments in rural areas to pay for site preparation and the infrastructure to support housing construction.

The budget now moves back to the House for further debate between the chambers.

The $60.23 billion budget is balanced and represents responsible growth driven by the economy while building on the Senate's history of reducing the overall tax burden on Ohio taxpayers. 

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