Chavez Leads Passage Of Funding For The Northwest Ordinance Commemoration

COLUMBUS—The Ohio Senate passed the final version of the two-year Operating Budget, including funding for the Northwest Ordinance Commemoration.

"The Northwest Ordinance is one of the most important documents in the history of Ohio, and it set the stage for the expansion of the United States beyond the original 13 states. The ordinance was such a forward-thinking document; it was a model for the Bill of Rights," said State Senator Brian Chavez. "I am very proud to see Ohio include $375,000 in grants for the commemoration of its signing."

The Northwest Ordinance, enacted on July 13th, 1787, created the Northwest Territory, the first organized territory of The United States. The Ordinance also established the guidelines for the creation of new states and prohibited slavery in any state created from the Northwest Territory. On March 1st, 1803, Ohio became the first state originally from the Northwest Territory to achieve statehood.

The budget includes $375,000 in fiscal year 2026 to be used in coordination with the Ohio History Connection to celebrate and recognize the Northwest Ordinance Commemoration.

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