Findlay Times

State Representative Riordan McClain, representing Upper Sandusky, has backed Am. Sub. House Bill 96, the House's version of the State Operating Budget. This plan approves over $4 billion in property tax relief for Ohioans and ensures an increase in school funding for every school district in the state for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

“I’m proud of the work that has gone into producing this budget which makes great strides to meet the needs and address the concerns of our communities,” said Rep. McClain. “The policy updates and spending priorities reflect what I have heard from constituents. Those being property tax relief, school funding support, school choice opportunity, government spending reform, agriculture support and much more. I believe we are sending the Senate a strong budget to consider.”

The primary focus of House Bill 96 is education, aiming to boost funding for the state's schools. The plan provides public schools with $207.6 million more in FY26 and increases to $347.6 million in FY27 compared to FY25. This results in a total increase of $555.2 million in state aid for public schools over the coming biennium.

In response to property tax concerns, the bill outlines a process enabling certain school funds to be redistributed as property tax relief, amounting to over $4 billion. This is targeted at schools with over 30% unspent cash reserves annually.

House Bill 96 also emphasizes school choice by raising awards for the Autism Scholarship and Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship. Additionally, the bill offers an education savings account for parents with children in non-chartered, non-public schools.

An ethanol rebate program is introduced, allowing high blend ethanol retailers to claim a rebate for each gallon sold. This initiative, drafted by McClain, seeks to benefit corn growers, ethanol refiners, gas retailers, and consumers.

The legislation allocates funds for community revitalization projects like Brownfield Remediation and programs addressing the housing shortage. It also introduces the Child Care Choice program, offering $100 million annually to help families with child care expenses and boosts support for the Help Me Grow program for new and expecting families.

The bill stresses workforce readiness, with investments in higher education programs and continued support for Ohio’s TechCred program. It further aims for enhanced transparency within the Medicaid program by establishing new reporting requirements for the Ohio Department of Medicaid.

House Bill 96 now awaits further evaluation by the Ohio Senate.