House Unveils its Version of Biennial Budget

Two weeks behind schedule, the Ohio House of Representatives this week put their stamp on the proposed state budget by unveiling a substitute version of House Bill 166. The “sub-bill” is a rewrite of Gov. Mike DeWine’s budget proposal, which was unveiled in mid-March. (Click here for a list differences between the governor’s budget plan and the House version.)

OMA members should note that budget bills traditionally become vehicles for hundreds of unrelated changes to state law.

Next week, the House will make another round of changes in an omnibus amendment before voting to pass the amended sub-bill. The Senate is already holding informal budget hearings and will have their turn to make revisions by early June. The Ohio Constitution requires lawmakers adopt a balanced budget by July 1.

A complete review of the budget will be discussed at the June 5 meeting of the OMA Government Affairs Committee. 5/2/2019