Ohio Leaders Unveil Executive Budget, Critics Say 'Not Enough'

COLUMBUS, OH — Gov. Mike DeWine unveiled Ohio's Executive Budget for fiscal years 2022 and 2023 this week.

DeWine touted his plan to spur Ohio's recovery using the Investing in Ohio Initiative. He said the state will invest more than $1 billion in economic growth.

“We have a unique opportunity to make significant investments that will spur growth and economic renewal across the state,” DeWine said. He noted that through a state hiring freeze, Ohio now employs 1,500 fewer people than it did at the start of the pandemic.

The Investing in Ohio Initiative would receive $460 million in the Executive Budget. However, DeWine suggested last year that he would dip into the state's rainy day fund to further boost economic recovery this year. His current budget proposal would pull no money from that fund.

“For thousands of Ohioans, it is raining now. By refusing to tap into the people’s money in the rainy day fund, DeWine’s plan falls short of providing basic support for the thousands of Ohioans who have been laid off or are doing dangerous jobs that expose them to the virus, but barely pay enough to make ends meet," said Policy Matters Ohio Executive Director Hannah Halbert.

Halbert also criticized the governor for not updating the state's tax code or advocating for a long-overdue fix to the Ohio's unconstitutional K-12 funding formula. She pointed out that the governor's budget proposal ignores those concerns, but plans an aggressive marketing strategy to pull in new residents.

“DeWine wants to spend $50 million on a public relations campaign to attract people to our state — but the best way to attract people to Ohio is to make Ohio a place where everyone can thrive," Halbert said.

DeWine's proposal includes:

• Investing $200 million in grants for bars and restaurants;
• Investing $150 million in grants for Small Business Relief Grant applicants, who previously applied and are qualified;
• Investing $50 million in grants for lodging industry businesses;
• Investing $40 million in grants for indoor entertainment venues;
• And investing $20 million in grants for new businesses, many of whom were unqualified to receive previous funding.

The governor also said he would protect against new taxes on small businesses.

The budget proposal also drew praise from PRE4CLE because it expands who can receive child care support.

"We appreciate the Governor’s continued commitment to children, especially to the many children and families experiencing a crisis due to the devastating effects of COVID-19. This action recognizes that child care is an essential part of Ohio’s recovery and economic vitality,” said Katie Kelly, executive director, PRE4CLE.