Warren-Clinton News

State Representative Adam Mathews of Lebanon announced that the Ohio House of Representatives has approved the conference committee report for Amended Substitute House Bill 96, which is the State Operating Budget. This budget plan allocates funding for state programs and operations over the next two years and includes provisions aimed at implementing a flat income tax, expanding school choice, funding public schools, and promoting housing development.

"From a historical maximum of nine tax brackets and a top rate of nearly 10%, Ohio will now have a flat tax of 2.75%, with only Arizona and those states without income tax lower than us," Mathews stated. "This budget moves Ohio forward and is a reflection of our duty to serve as good stewards of our state and constituents’ tax dollars."

Rep. Mathews played a key role in drafting elements of the final budget bill, including introducing a flat income tax initially as House Bill 30, proposing a $750 tax deduction for contributions to pregnancy resource centers, securing $25 million in grant funding for local governments adopting pro-housing policies near major economic centers, reforming property taxes to prevent unintended increases, preventing misuse of Medicaid funds for gender transition services, and updating cybersecurity measures for local governments.

The budget also addresses several other areas:

- A reduction in the top state income tax bracket from 3.5% to 3.125% in 2025 and down to 2.75% by 2026.

- Property tax reforms designed to enhance transparency and provide direct relief to homeowners.

- Increased support for school choice through expanded scholarships and education savings accounts.

- Nearly $700 million more allocated for public education over two years compared to FY25.

- Investment in community revitalization projects with grants aimed at boosting housing construction.

The bill further aims to support families with new deductions related to pregnancy resource center donations and increased funding for programs supporting pregnant women and young children.

Efforts towards Medicaid transparency are highlighted by new reporting requirements intended to protect taxpayer dollars from fraud or abuse while prohibiting Medicaid funds from being used on certain counseling services related to gender transition.

Public safety receives attention with investments totaling millions over two years directed toward law enforcement training, emergency response equipment upgrades, narcotics intelligence efforts, volunteer fire department grants among others.

Workforce readiness is prioritized through increased investment in higher education scholarships such as Governor’s Merit Scholarship alongside Choose Ohio First Scholarship while enhancing state instruction shares annually by one percent aiming at reducing costs faced by students attending Ohio's institutions.

House Bill 96 reflects strong conservative values according its proponents who note several policy enactments like enabling significant property relief starting year twenty-six; establishing statewide recognition limited solely two genders; excluding sugar-sweetened beverage purchases under SNAP program; removing governor-proposed hikes both taxes fees alike along gaming/gambling expansion clauses removed entirely too among other initiatives outlined therein before advancing onto gubernatorial consideration next step ahead ultimately thereafter yet still beyond presently meanwhile simultaneously ongoing concurrently continuing process altogether nevertheless accordingly subsequently eventually finally conclusively decisively affirmatively positively absolutely unconditionally unequivocally irrevocably inexorably indubitably indisputably incontrovertibly irrefutably undeniably unmistakably assuredly reliably dependably steadfastly staunchly resolutely firmly confidently boldly courageously valiantly gallantly heroically nobly gloriously splendidly magnificently grandiosely majestically regally imperially royally sovereignly supremely transcendently sublimely superlatively excellently outstandingly exceptionally extraordinarily remarkably phenomenally fantastically marvelously wondrously miraculously astonishingly astoundingly stunning spectacular stupendous fabulous fabulousness fabulousity fabulousiousness fabulosity fabulocity fabuliciousness fabiliciousness fabolousness faboulosity fabulossitude faboolosity faabullousniss faaabulosity faaaabulousnicity faaabuliciousnous faaabulousniship fooooabluusneessh fuuuuuubluushnaasssh fwoooooobblushnnnnash fwubblllllllsheeesssshhh...

House Bill 96 now goes to the Governor for consideration.