Ingram Responds to Final State Budget

Today, state Senator Catherine D. Ingram (D-Cincinnati) issued the following statement on the final version of the state operating budget, House Bill 96, following Governor DeWine’s issuance of several line-item vetoes:

“I applaud Governor DeWine for the thoughtfulness given to the impact of the proposed Sub. H.B. 96,” said Senator Ingram. “It is evident that the executive branch realizes that many lives would have been negatively affected by specific legislation set forth by my colleagues. In taking a step back in some situations, Ohio will be able to examine what is best for all Ohioans while moving into our future.”

Governor DeWine’s vetoes addressed a number of concerns raised by Senator Ingram and Senate Democrats, including:

• Striking provisions that would have created a nonchartered educational savings account program, preserving accountability in public education.
• Protecting public libraries by vetoing language that would have required censorship of materials related to gender identity or sexual orientation.
• Preserving local taxing authority by vetoing changes that would have restricted property tax levies, repealed replacement levies, and altered the 20-mill floor.
• Rejecting flawed higher education funding mechanisms, including those tied to employment outcomes and accelerated pathways.

However, Senator Ingram noted that significant concerns remain unaddressed:

• The budget continues to underfund Ohio’s public schools, relying on outdated calculations and expanding investments in non-public vouchers at the expense of neighborhood schools.
• Crucial Medicaid protections were not restored, threatening access to care for more than 700,000 Ohioans and reducing flexibility in health program administration.
• No meaningful property tax relief was delivered, despite broad acknowledgment of the rising burden on homeowners and school districts.
• Community-focused programs, including lead abatement, food banks, and H2Ohio, remain underfunded or reduced.

Senator Ingram will continue her commitment to fighting for equitable investments in education, health care access, and economic justice for every Ohioan.