State Representative Jean Schmidt, representing Loveland, has expressed strong support for Am. Sub. House Bill 96, the House’s State Operating Budget version. Schmidt stated, “I was proud to vote in support of a budget that fights against the woke agenda. This legislation prioritizes the health and well-being of Ohio children, students, and families—the future of our great state.”
The budget proposes over $4 billion in property tax relief and secures increased funding for all school districts in Ohio for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Under the plan, schools with unspent cash exceeding 30 percent of their annual expenditures will return funds to residents in the form of property tax relief.
House Bill 96 also emphasizes investing in Ohio’s education. Schools are set to receive $207.6 million more in fiscal year 2026 and an additional $347.6 million in fiscal year 2027 compared to fiscal year 2025, totaling a $555.2 million increase over two years.
Further provisions include $10 million annually for the Parenting and Pregnancy Program and a $750 tax credit for pregnancy center donations. The Produce Perks initiative will receive $1 million annually to improve access to nutritious food. Child Focus, Inc. will receive $500,000 yearly for workforce development and early learning. Also, $4 million per year is allocated to People Working Cooperatively for home safety assistance.
The Child Care Choice program will offer eligible families $100 million per year to help cover childcare costs. The Help Me Grow program will receive increased funding to support pregnant women, new caregivers, and families with children, including those with developmental challenges.
House Bill 96 aims to bolster workforce readiness, including increasing funds for various scholarships and maintaining support for Ohio’s TechCred program. Key changes in education grant awards include enhanced support for the Autism and Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarships.
The budget additionally highlights efforts to enhance Medicaid transparency, with new requirements for reporting to the Joint Medicaid Oversight Committee.
With these initiatives, House Bill 96 seeks to strengthen Ohio’s communities by addressing housing shortages and promoting local economic recovery efforts. It is now pending review in the Ohio Senate.
