by Todd DeFeo
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed an interim operating budget that funds the state government for 17 days, giving lawmakers additional time to debate a two-year spending plan.
DeWine signed both Senate Bill 171, the interim state budget, and Senate Bill 172, a one-month funding extension for the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. The governor did not issue any line-item vetoes in signing the bills.
“While I am disappointed that the budget process has extended beyond July 1st, I want (to) assure all Ohioans that state services will not be interrupted in any way,” DeWine said in a statement. “The House and the Senate passed similar budget proposals, and they both share the principles outlined in my executive budget proposal. I urge the legislative conference committee to continue negotiations and pass a full budget promptly.”
Lawmakers are debating a state budget that includes roughly $69 billion in General Revenue Fund (GRF) spending and approximately $140 billion in total spending over the next two years.
Lawmakers were supposed to have the new budget in place by June 30. With the extension, lawmakers now have until July 17 to pass a spending plan and reconcile differences on several hot-button matters, including taxes, education and healthcare.
If they do not agree to the budget at that time, lawmakers could pass another interim budget or risk a shutdown of the state government.
“From the start of this budget process, the Senate has been steadfast in its commitment to the people of Ohio,” Senate President Larry Obhof (R-Medina) and Minority Leader Kenny Yuko (D-Richmond Heights) said in a joint statement. “Members from both sides of the aisle worked to support historic investments in Ohio’s children, families and workforce. We are proud of what we accomplished over a relatively short timeframe, leading our members to cast a rare, unanimous vote for a budget bill that we believe reflects the priorities of Ohioans.”
The “interim budget maintains the funding of programs and services,” the lawmakers added. “We are committed to reaching an agreement soon on the new budget plan, working with the Administration and the House of Representatives.”
House Democrats, however, placed the blame on the shoulders of Republicans.
“We have an obligation – a promise – to taxpayers to pass a fiscally responsible budget. We shouldn’t have to operate with the uncertainty of an interim budget,” state Rep. Jack Cera (D-Bellaire) said in a statement. “Democrats remain at the table ready to work together to restore tax fairness for working people and families, invest in our children’s education and maintain affordable healthcare for all Ohioans.”
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Todd DeFeo is a contributor to The Center Square.
