COLUMBUS, Ohio – On June 28, 2024, Governor Mike DeWine, alongside Lt. Governor Jon Husted and members of the Ohio General Assembly, announced the signing of House Bill 2, the capital budget bill. This landmark legislation commits $3.5 billion in appropriations, focusing on creating jobs, growing the economy, and directly benefiting the people of Ohio.
“This capital budget is all about creating jobs, growing our economy, and directly impacting the people of Ohio where they live and work,” said Governor DeWine. “The investments we’re making today impact our schools and universities, our hospitals, our parks and recreational spaces, and our communities. We know these needed investments will continue to make Ohio the best place to live, work, and raise a family for years to come.”
Lt. Governor Husted highlighted the transformative nature of these investments: “The investments made in this budget will change lives and make a real difference for the people living, working, and raising a family here in Ohio. From funding for a new behavioral health hospital in the Miami Valley to supporting cybersecurity efforts, this package addresses issues that matter to Ohioans.”
Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens emphasized the long-term impact of the projects: “These are not just projects, but investments in our future. They will benefit not only local communities but also the region and the state, with many even having a national impact.”
Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman underscored the community benefits: “These are projects that people will see or use every day. This investment makes a real difference in our neighborhoods across the state.”
The capital budget, for Fiscal Years 2025-2026, includes the largest support for Ohio facilities and local community infrastructure in history. Kimberly Murnieks, Director of the Ohio Office of Budget and Management, noted that this funding will generate jobs and drive continued growth throughout the state.
Key Highlights of the Capital Budget:
Mental Health:
- $133.5 million to enhance mental healthcare facilities statewide.
- $10 million for designing a new behavioral healthcare hospital in the Miami Valley, adding over 200 patient beds.
Youth Services:
- $130 million to replace large juvenile correctional facilities with smaller, safer ones, providing more individualized attention and support.
Higher Education and Workforce Readiness:
- $397 million to improve infrastructure across Ohio’s public colleges and universities.
- $7.1 million for the Ohio Cyber Range to bolster cybersecurity capabilities and education.
K-12 Schools:
- $600 million for constructing and renovating K-12 schools, assisting local communities in creating modern, technology-equipped learning spaces.
Prisons & Jails:
- $255.1 million for infrastructure repairs in state prisons and facility upgrades for aging inmates and those with mental health disorders.
- $50 million for local jail infrastructure projects and $8.9 million for community-based correctional facilities.
Ohio State Highway Patrol Crime Lab:
- $7 million for designing a new state-of-the-art crime lab to handle growing caseloads and enhance public safety.
Fire Academy:
- Over $23 million for new and improved firefighting training facilities, including a high-rise search and rescue training structure.
State Parks:
- $298.2 million to modernize Ohio’s state parks, including dam rehabilitation projects to ensure safety.
Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds:
- $196 million for infrastructure improvements and enhancements at the Ohio State Fairgrounds, ensuring a top-tier visitor experience.
Ohio’s History and Culture:
- $63 million for local projects offering tourism and cultural benefits, including improvements at the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks sites and the Ohio River Museum.
Ohio’s strong financial position allows these investments while maintaining a balanced budget and staying well under the constitutional debt service limitation. The DeWine-Husted Administration has achieved a coveted AAA rating from major credit rating agencies, indicating the strongest credit rating outlook in Ohio’s history.
