Fairfield Reporter

The Ohio Senate has approved the final version of House Bill 96, also known as the state operating budget bill. This legislation outlines funding for state operations over the next two years.

The budget allocates $5 million for pediatric cancer research, increases K-12 public school funding by $650 million, and includes $1.4 billion in income tax relief. Senator Schaffer expressed his support for the bill, stating, "We are giving kids with cancer a fighting chance and giving them hope where there hasn’t been before."

Schaffer highlighted the disparity in federal cancer research funding, noting that adult cancers receive significantly more funding than childhood cancers. He praised Ohio's commitment to supporting childhood cancer research through this budget.

The bill introduces mechanisms for property tax cuts by allowing county commissioners to double certain property tax exemptions. It also restricts local governments from levying replacement and substitute property taxes and grants county budget commissions greater authority to reduce property tax collections.

“These new mechanisms allow for more local input and control on providing much needed property tax relief to Ohio’s hard-working families and seniors on the brink of losing their homes,” Schaffer said.

House Bill 96 phases in a 2.75% flat income tax starting January 1, 2026, while maintaining zero state income taxes for individuals earning less than $26,050.

Senator Schaffer secured funding for local organizations within his district, including $350,000 for Buckeye Lake Region Corporation and $700,000 for Fairfield County Workforce Center.

The budget includes amendments to improve programs like SNAP and Medicaid. These reforms aim to enhance transparency and reduce fraud. "I am pleased that my colleagues agreed to these much-needed changes," Schaffer stated.

Schaffer also succeeded in securing expanded appropriations for various initiatives such as the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine and protecting agricultural tax exemptions.

Additional provisions added by Schaffer include allocating $165 million over two years into the H2Ohio program to protect water quality and requiring local governments to develop cybersecurity plans.

House Bill 96 now awaits Governor DeWine’s consideration ahead of the July 1st constitutional deadline.