Senator Gavarone Proudly Supports Operating Budget

COLUMBUS— State Senator Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green) proudly supports the state's new Biennial Operating Budget, maintaining the upper chamber's commitment of fiscal responsibility to the taxpayers.

"This is a strong budget that will positively impact every corner of our state," said Senator Gavarone. "From continuing our work in investing in our children’s education, to cutting taxes, and increasing safety services, this budget delivers." 

The Senate and House worked through the points of difference between each chamber's "as passed" version of the budget in an efficient and effective manner.

Nearly $1 Billion More for K-12 Public Schools

The operating budget builds on the historic investments over the last two budgets that poured more than an additional $3 billion into public education.

This budget adds nearly a billion dollars more into Ohio's public schools.

Districts will also receive additional state aid for significant academic improvement, as well as those that have received a 4-to-5 Star rating from the Department of Education and Workforce.

"I was very proud to support the historic investments in this biennium's budget," said Senator Gavarone." Education is critical to the future of our state, and I'm pleased to see Ohio continuing the investment in our children's education."

"We want all children to have the opportunity to reach their God given potential," said Senate President Rob McColley. "Results matter, and we want to reinforce that message by recognizing the importance of performance in public schools."

Visionary Economic Development

Ohio's $60.23 billion budget is balanced as required by the state constitution, and includes more than $1 billion in tax relief to Ohioans.

Allowing Ohioans to keep more of their hard-earned money and reducing the burden of bureaucracy is the best way to grow an economy.

"In this budget we are also continuing to make the State of Ohio an economic powerhouse in our region and across the country," said Senator Gavarone. "We are funding valuable programs and cutting unnecessary taxes to make sure we are open for business as a state."

Over the last several budgets, reducing the tax burden has resulted in economic growth and additional revenue for the state.

Consumer spending represents two-thirds of the economy, and when the people have more discretionary income for their families, Ohio becomes an even greater place to live, work, and raise a family.

Aid for Medical Residencies

The biennium budget includes $1 million each fiscal year to be distributed to hospitals for the support of graduate medical education residencies within the fields of family medicine or psychiatry. 

"Ohio is in a mental health crisis," said Senator Gavarone. "Families are crying out for help, but we don’t have enough psychiatrists to meet the need — partially because we don’t have enough residencies for our medical students. Every year, we’ve hit 100% capacity. This budget funds new medical residencies, including physiatrists."

The budget also requires the Ohio Department of Health to establish requirements for the distribution of funds.

Legal Aid for Economically Disadvantaged

The Operating Budget includes $1 million per fiscal year for the Legal Aid Fund to be used for:
$500,000 per fiscal year to provide legal services for economically disadvantaged individuals and families who are seeking assistance with legal issues arising from substance abuse.
$250,000 for the sole purpose of providing legal service to veterans
$250,000 to be used for general legal aid for economically disadvantaged individuals.

Granting Local Authorities Control Over Safety Service in Lake Erie Islands

The Operating Budget provides reforms to the use and funding of safety services on Lake Erie Islands, allowing Convention and Visitors' Bureaus in tourist areas to spend revenue from lodging taxes on public safety services, economic development, and infrastructure projects that impact tourism.

"This budget grants local authorities in tourist areas more flexibility on public safety and infrastructure so we can continue to attract people from across the globe with our world class destinations," said Senator Gavarone.