Week in Review April 7, 2025

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This report reflects the latest happenings in government relations, in and around the Ohio statehouse. You’ll notice that it’s broad in nature and on an array of topics, from A-Z. This will be updated on a weekly basis.

Please feel free to share it with anyone else you believe may find it of interest, as well. Also, please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions, concerns or if we can be of any assistance.

ADDICTION/SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Ohio and 45 other states, joined by the District of Columbia and three U.S. territories, petitioned the Connecticut's U.S. District Court Wednesday to approve Huntington Bank's escrow authority over $39.1 million of Toronto-based Apotex Inc.'s preliminary settlement after initiating the request last fall for complainants' $10 million settlement with Heritage Pharmaceuticals of New Jersey. "States brought three actions against generic drug manufacturers alleging that they conspired to fix prices and allocate markets for many generic drugs, in violation of federal antitrust laws and state antitrust and consumer protection laws," the Heritage settlement states, citing plaintiff claims of an "overarching conspiracy ... and anticompetitive acts" by 30 corporations and 25 company executives. Announcing the settlements Thursday, Attorney General Dave Yost says Apotex and Heritage participated in a larger industry scheme to inflate prices, manipulate markets and limit competition for numerous generic prescription drugs representing billions of dollars in U.S. sales. The three complaints describe a network of industry executives who met secretly via dinners, social gatherings and private calls. They used coded, euphemistic language such as "fair share," "playing nice in the sandbox" and "responsible competitor" to characterize price-fixing and price-gouging of Ohioans and other consumers, says Yost.

ATTORNEY GENERAL

Attorney General Dave Yost Monday announced the first round of grants to help county sheriffs prioritize addiction treatment for jail inmates. The $1.2 million in grants announced Monday will go to the following eight counties. In all, Yost's office is offering $60 million in opioid settlement money over the next several years with the goal of reducing fatal overdoses in Ohio's jails, he said.

• Ashland: $114,788

• Erie: $177,516

• Medina: $50,000

• Richland: $250,000

• Summit: $187,200

• Trumbull: $250,000

• Washington: $144,470

• Wyandot: $95,252

AUDITOR OF STATE

Auditor Keith Faber's office released the state single audit, a review of $44 billion in state-administered federal program spending from FY24. The audit is required by federal law to ensure appropriate spending of federal funds. The audit included more than $900,000 in questioned costs across several agencies, plus three findings for recovery totaling more than $1 million. The largest chunk of questioned costs came under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and was related to the timing of the spending. The audit notes federal "period of performance" regulations required funding to be obligated and awards to be liquidated within certain time frames. In this case, the program did not timely obligate about $576,000 for two sub-awards.

FY26-27 BUDGET

No traditional school district would receive less in state aid for K-12 funding than in FY25 under House changes to the budget bill adopted in committee Tuesday, but those with big carryover balances would see levy rates reduced by the county budget commission, according to House Republican leaders. The House Finance Committee adopted a substitute version of HB96 (Stewart) Tuesday afternoon. The substitute bill, a 29-page summary of changes and the compare doc are at www.hannah.com.

Ahead of the committee meeting, Speaker Matt Huffman (R-Lima) and House Finance Committee Chair Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) discussed highlights of the changes and took questions from reporters. Stewart said the substitute bill keeps the new funding formula, known as the Cupp-Patterson formula or the Fair School Funding Plan, as the "bedrock," but includes changes that reflect major runups in local property values as well as high rates of enrollment growth in some districts. School funding formula aid is projected to increase by $81 million in FY26 and $145 million in FY27.

Under the substitute bill, local county budget commissions would be directed to reduce tax rates in any district with a carryover balance exceeding 25 percent of its previous fiscal year's general fund spending. Huffman and Stewart said this change represents the best opportunity to provide near-term property tax relief to Ohioans. They said the 25 percent threshold represents what school business groups have recommended as a reasonable carryover balance.

Stewart said the sub bill maintains executive-proposed trigger language that would terminate Medicaid expansion coverage should the federal matching percentage drop below 90 percent. The summary documents provided by the House Finance Committee to describe sub bill changes states the trigger language is modified to create a "phased transition plan" that would redirect people to private insurance subsidies or charity care programs, and to allow the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) to establish a temporary hospital assessment to offset the cost of uncompensated care for former members of the expansion population.

The House proposal also mandates fiscal and performance audits of the ODM, and creates new requirements for the administration to report information to the Joint Medicaid Oversight Committee.

The Cleveland Browns would get their wish for state support under the new budget version, with language allowing issuance of $600 million worth of bonds toward the proposed Brook Park stadium development.

In higher education, state institutions would see a 2 percent increase in state share of instruction (SSI) funding, with a 3 percent cap on tuition increases.

Stewart said libraries would get an increase compared to projected FY25 spending levels, but executive budget estimates show libraries in line for $530 million in FY25, compared to a proposed $485 million in FY26 under the sub bill. The executive proposal would see funding grow to $549 million by FY27. The sub bill also would change the funding mechanism from a percentage of tax revenues to a flat appropriation. The money would be distributed to counties on a per capita basis, then sent to local libraries systems by the county budget commission, he said.

Libraries also would face a requirement to put materials that reference sexual orientation or gender identity out of view of children.

Gov. Mike DeWine's signature water quality program would receive a massive cut under the House version of the budget, HB96 (Stewart). Under the sub bill, H2Ohio would receive a $120.3 million cut. The executive budget proposal included $270.3 million for the program, which is essentially flat funding over the current biennium. However, the House budget's total is $150 million for FY26 and FY27. The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODAg), Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) would all see H2Ohio cuts under the sub bill.

House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Columbus) told reporters Wednesday she considers the substitute version of HB96 (Stewart) "a terrible budget for the needs of everyday Ohioans" and that as it currently stands, Democratic members will "absolutely not" vote for it. "This budget is saying if you are a billionaire, get to the front of the line. If you are a rich family that wants vouchers for your kids, get to the front of the line. If you are a pregnant woman, if you are a senior [citizen], if you are a hungry child, if you are a public school, get to the back of the line, because we're going to fund those people first," she continued. Regarding funding for K-12 education, Russo called the budget "absolutely a cut to public schools and what it costs to educate children in this state," saying it reflects 2022 inputs and not inflationary costs that have arisen since then or other elements such as special education. She also said this is not what was agreed to in the Fair School Funding Plan to give "predictability [and] long term stability for public school funding."

The Senate Finance Committee Tuesday officially opened the Senate's hearings on the proposed FY26-27 biennial budget with testimony from Office of Budget and Management (OBM) Director Kimberly Murnieks and Legislative Service Commission (LSC) Director Wendy Zhan. Murnieks spoke as a proponent while Zhan was an interested party. Both testified on the proposed budget, HB96 (Stewart), as introduced.

As such, their individual testimony was the same as they presented to the House Finance Committee back on Tuesday, Feb. 4. To that end, Murnieks provided an economic overview and forecast based on their use of Moody's Analytics; the projected revenue for the next biennium highlighting the anticipated performance of the major taxes; Gov. Mike DeWine's budget priorities including his focus on making government more efficient and effective, on children and families, on the workforce and education -- both K-12 and higher education as well as career technical education; and on communities as well as the administration's accomplishments over the current and previous biennia. Murnieks' projection for state only General Revenue Funds (GRF) totals $30.0 billion for FY26 and nearly $30.9 billion for FY27 for a total of $60.9 billion for the biennium. Zhan's GRF estimates total $29.5 billion for FY26 and $30.2 billion for FY27 for a biennial total of $59.7 billion.

It was revealed at this hearing that this budget is Zhan's last. She is retiring after participating in 16 budgets ... or maybe a couple more if the years when there were yearly budgets count, she said.

The Ohio Chamber of Commerce hosted a summit Tuesday on Ohio's child care policies, with Reps. Mark Johnson (R-Chillicothe), Andrea White (R-Kettering) and Bride Sweeney (D-Westlake) urging attendees to swiftly review the House's substitute budget bill, HB96 (Stewart), and reach out to other legislators about the importance of supporting child care items over the next biennium. Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) Director Kara Wente made similar comments during a separate panel. All three legislators serve on the House Finance Committee, where Sweeney is ranking member. Johnson also chairs the House Commerce and Labor Committee and White chairs the House Children and Human Services Committee. Sweeney described the level of investment in child care as one of Ohio's "biggest failures" and noted how business groups are recognizing its effect on workforce participation, particularly among women. She added there is growing awareness among legislators of both parties that the issue can't be avoided further as well.

CHILDREN/FAMILIES

Policy researchers gave an overview Monday of the role of Medicaid in covering Ohio's children and the potential effects of proposed federal policy changes floating around Washington, D.C. The Legislative Children's Caucus virtual meeting featured presentations on the topic from Guillermo Bervejillo of Children's Defense Fund-Ohio, Kathryn Poe of Policy Matters Ohio and Elisabeth Wright Burak of the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families. Burak and Poe discussed some of the options being discussed by Republicans in Congress for finding savings in Medicaid, including spending caps and restrictions on the health care taxes that states can levy on providers and facilities in order to generate money they can then use to draw down federal matching dollars.

Mobile app stores would be required to verify a user's age and obtain parental consent before allowing a child under age 16 to download an app under bills proposed by Sen. Michele Reynolds (R-Columbus) and Rep. Melanie Miller (R-Ashland). "Parents across Ohio tell me that they want clear, efficient ways to oversee the apps that their children use. They expect a consistent standard of protection, and they deserve it," Reynolds said Thursday during a Statehouse press conference on SB167, which was introduced earlier this week and referred to the Senate Financial Institutions, Insurance and Technology Committee. Miller said she would be introducing a companion bill soon, and also discussed the need for parents to have adequate tools to protect their children from potential harm caused by social media.

The Ohio Chamber of Commerce's Summit on Child Care Policy included discussions on industry workforce and related business engagement strategies. The workforce discussion included Chris Angellatta, CEO of the Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral Association; Tatiana Wells, program director for early childhood and teacher education at Cuyahoga Community College; and David Smith, executive director of Horizon Education Centers. Asked about highs and lows regarding the workforce, Angellatta said Ohio does a great job educating workers but struggles with staff retention as child care is hard work which doesn't pay well. The turnover issues make the job even more difficult, he added, but if it can be addressed then that would solve other issues as well.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Gov. Mike DeWine's administration announced Monday the approval of assistance for four projects expected to create 384 new jobs and retain 1,559 jobs statewide. During its monthly meeting, the Ohio Tax Credit Authority (TCA) reviewed economic development proposals brought by JobsOhio and its regional partners. The projects are expected to collectively result in more than $28 million in new payroll and spur more than $131 million in investments across Ohio.

ECONOMY

According to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), Ohio's unemployment rate continued an upward trend to 4.7 percent in February, a rise from January's 4.6 percent, even as nonagricultural wage and salary employment increased 23,100 over the month, from a revised 5,658,000 in January to 5,681,100 in February. ODJFS said the number of workers unemployed in Ohio in February was 277,000, up from 271,000 in January 2025. The number of unemployed has increased by 42,000 in the past 12 months from 235,000. The February unemployment rate for Ohio increased 0.7 percentage points from 4.0 percent in February 2024. The U.S. unemployment rate for February 2025 was 4.1 percent, up from 4.0 percent in January 2025 and up from 3.9 percent in February 2024. Nationally, unemployment rates were higher in February in one state and stable in 49 states and the District of Columbia, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

EDUCATION

Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) Director Stephen Dackin announced winners of the state's business-education leader awards for excellent business advisory councils, recognizing their efforts to ensure education aligns with workforce needs. All Ohio school districts and educational service centers have a business advisory council, and the DeWine administration said those being honored exemplified "excellence in developing professional skills for the future, fostering partnerships and coordinating experiences that collectively prepare students for success. Ohio's business advisory councils play a vital role in ensuring Ohio's students are equipped with the skills and experiences they need to succeed in today's workforce and reach their full potential. By connecting educators and business leaders, these councils create pathways that bridge classroom learning with real-world career opportunities. We are proud to recognize councils that are leading the way in this important work, setting an example for others across the state, and positioning students for meaningful careers."

ELECTIONS

Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced that his office is investigating the purchase of an electronic pollbook by the Perry County Board of Elections. The board notified the secretary of state's office about the newly purchased tablet-style device that appears to violate Ohio's election security standards. The device would have been used to check voters into a polling location but has not been deployed in an election, the secretary of state's office said.

Sens. Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green) and Andrew Brenner (R-Delaware) announced the introduction of legislation that would require proof of citizenship in order to vote. Introduced in mid-March, SB153 (Gavarone-Brenner) comes as President Donald Trump signed an executive order Tuesday requiring proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections, with the potential to lose federal funds for not complying with the order. The bill also states that if an individual's current legal name is different from the name on the individual's proof of citizenship, the individual also shall provide proof of the name change, such as a copy of a marriage license or court order. Additionally, the bill will bar the use of drop boxes to return absentee ballots at county boards of elections.

ELECTIONS 2026

Former state legislator Kevin Coughlin announced Wednesday that he is running again for the 13th Congressional District in 2026 after losing a tight race last year against incumbent U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-Akron). In one of the more competitive races in the Buckeye State, Sykes defeated Coughlin 51 percent to 49 percent. The race is expected to be competitive again next year, and the dynamics of the race could change depending on how lawmakers redraw congressional lines later this year.

Former state Rep. Craig Riedel (R-Defiance) announced plans Wednesday to run for the Ohio Senate seat currently held by the term-limited Senate President Rob McColley (R-Napoleon) in 2026. Riedel served three terms in the Ohio House before launching two failed bids for Congress. Before that, he spent 27 years in the steel industry at Nucor Vulcraft Group.

ENERGY/UTILITIES

The Office of Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) announced its 2024 annual report this week as the House and Senate work to reconcile a ratemaking overhaul supported in both chambers by OCC. The report examines the utility landscape in Ohio, PJM's 13-state territory, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) nationwide jurisdiction and the statutory agency's efforts to influence state and federal policy impacting residential consumers of electricity, natural gas and water.

ENVIRONMENT

The Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA) has issued bond financing of $6.6 million for clean air improvements integrated into a new four-story, mixed-use development in Cincinnati. The project is intended to enhance operational cost savings and support business growth, OAQDA said. Citadel Beechmont LLC will provide additional warehouse, office and climate-controlled storage space on an underutilized parcel of land located at 3674 Beechmont Ct. in Hamilton County.

GAMING/GAMBLING

Selling sporting event contracts is no different than offering sports gaming, Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) Executive Director Matt Schuler told three financial services companies in cease-and-desist letters on Monday. Schuler sent the notices to Kalshi, Robinhood and Crypto.com, demanding the companies stop offering event contracts on sporting events to Ohioans. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has regulated event futures contracts for some time, but these companies only recently began offering futures contracts on sporting events, OCCC said. "Purchasing a contract based on which team a person thinks will win a sporting event is no different than placing a bet through a traditional sportsbook," Schuler said. "The only difference is that these event contracts do not have the consumer protections required under Ohio law and are accessible to Ohioans under 21 years of age. The commission must take action to fulfill its statutory responsibilities and ensure the integrity of sports gaming in Ohio."

GENERAL ASSEMBLY/STATEHOUSE

The House Wednesday unanimously passed the budgets for the Industrial Commission (IC) and the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) with little debate. Rep. Bob Peterson (R-Sabina), chair of the Public Insurance and Pensions Committee, introduced both HB80 (Stewart), the IC budget, and HB81 (Stewart), the BWC budget on the floor. He said the IC budget is largely flat funded and continues the good work they do. On the BWC budget, he highlighted the most significant change, which would allow the BWC to purchase, repair and replace prosthetic devices even if the life of the claim has expired. He was joined in support by the committee’s Ranking Member Sean Brennan (D-Parma), who said the bill will help IC bolster its virtual hearing process, but he said it should be optional as some injured workers in some cases need to be before those who adjudicate those cases.

The House also voted 75-20 on SB33 (Wilson), which allows the online posting of certain labor notices, sending it on to the governor for his signature. The vote was the same as last week's vote on companion bill HB94 (A. Mathews-T. Hall).

The House also unanimously passed HB51 (Klopfenstein-King), designating a portion of U.S. Route 33 in Auglaize County as the "Lt. James A. Kirkendall Memorial Highway"; and HB65 (Klopfenstein-Peterson), which Rep. Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) said would recognize several agricultural days in state law.

Ohio farmers would have another option for health coverage under legislation passed by the Senate on Wednesday. The Senate voted 32-0 to approve SB100 (Manchester), which exempts health care coverage provided to members of the Ohio Farm Bureau -- or other nonprofit agricultural membership organizations -- from oversight by the Ohio Department of Insurance and state insurance regulations.

In other action, the Senate unanimously adopted SR68 (Roegner), which urges NASA to move its headquarters to Ohio.

The Senate also unanimously passed HB43 (Fowler Arthur-D. Thomas), which requires the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to waive up to 24 hours of the required minimum number of hours that Ashtabula Lakeside High School must be open with students in attendance during the 2024-2025 school year. The emergency clause added to the bill was also approved unanimously.

Finally, the Senate unanimously approved SCR7 (Koehler), which urges Congress to reissue U.S. Department of Defense Civilian Retiree Identification Cards.

House Speaker Matt Huffman (R-Lima) discussed the Haslam Sports Group proposal for $600 million in state bonds toward new stadium construction that is now part of the House's substitute budget bill HB96 (Stewart), saying the group has guaranteed it as an organization and will put up a $35 million cash bond at the beginning -- actions which don't happen in other bond projects. Huffman also noted Haslam Sports Group will be investing $2.4 billion in addition to the state money.

Asked about how foodbanks are seeking more state funding to keep up with demand, Huffman said the House is going through several thousand line-items and he didn't know the specifics on what foodbanks are getting, what they previously received and how it is being used.

Responding to another question about cuts in H2Ohio funding, he said that program has achieved many of the goals it set out to do and money from that fund can be used by "many of the other programs." He also called it a "balancing" and said he didn't think the overall program was in danger.

With the House not recommending a tax cut, Huffman noted the work of previous General Assemblies to get the state income tax to two brackets. "The fundamental question that needs to be studied for those who want to eliminate income tax is, either we're going to cut some public services or increase other taxes," he said, adding that he would be surprised if the Senate had a cut, but said it will remain on the table as long as there is an income tax.

A bipartisan group of House and Senate members Wednesday announced the formation of the Ohio Trucking Caucus with the goal of advancing legislation and policies to assist the state's trucking and logistics industries. Rep. Jack Daniels (R-New Franklin) said he has been in the trucking industry for almost 40 years and has experienced all of the challenges of long hours and hard work that those in the industry put in day and night.

According to a survey by the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL), state lawmakers include men and women from an array of racial and ethnic backgrounds, but were most likely over the age of 50, male, White, had completed some form of higher education, had sources of income beyond legislative compensation, and were married without dependents in the home. Most respondents served three or fewer terms at the time of the survey; 9.5 percent held chamber or caucus leadership positions; 44 percent served as committee chairs; 54 percent were Democrats, 43 percent were Republicans, and 2 percent identified as nonpartisan or other party; and nearly 75 percent planned to run for office again, and nearly half of them indicated political ambitions beyond the state legislature.

In other legislative action, the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee reported out SB147 (Reineke) which addresses issues around Seneca County and a solid waste management district; and the Senate Health Committee reported out HB4 (Holmes-C. Thomas) which designates Sept. 19 as “Ohio Stillbirth Prevention Day.”

HANNAH NEWS’ MEET THE FRESHMEN

Rep. Heidi Workman (R-Rootstown), who defeated former Rep. Gail Pavliga (R-Atwater) in the primary, told Hannah News that her faith and commitments to family, community and country have always led her work in politics. "I believe government should serve the people and not the other way around. I've spent years advocating for small business growth and reduced regulations and I wanted to bring this advocacy to Columbus. Public service is an opportunity for me to champion the principles that I hold dear ... protecting our constitutional rights, fostering economic growth and empowering the voice of the people in my district." Workman spoke on the importance of "reduced regulations and unleashing resources so that our small businesses can thrive," citing her own professional experience.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Attorney General Dave Yost filed his notice of appeal and an emergency motion with the Ohio Supreme Court on Thursday after 10th District judges declined to stay their ruling that upended restrictions on providing hormones and drugs to minors for gender transition. The 10th District recently decided restrictions in 135-HB68 (Click) violated the Health Care Freedom Amendment to the Ohio Constitution and ordered the trial court to issue an injunction against enforcement of the restrictions. Yost asked the 10th District to stay its ruling, saying the trial court would be deprived of jurisdiction to act anyway once the notice of appeal was filed with the Supreme Court, and further argued that the stay would preserve the status quo. Plaintiffs opposed the request, and 10th District Judges Carly Edelstein, Julia Dorrian and Michael Mentel denied the motion. Yost followed up with an emergency request for a stay from the justices.

A law requiring hospitals to publish a list of standard charges for all hospital items or services went into effect Thursday, April 3, with the sponsors of the legislation saying it will empower Ohioans "with clear, up front information about the cost of medical care." The "Hospital Price Transparency Act" was originally introduced as 135-HB49 (Ferguson-Barhorst), but was later amended, passed, and signed into law as part of 135-HB173 (Troy), which also designated May as Older Ohioans Month, the week of March 16 as Ohio Black Media Week, and the month of October as Hindu Heritage Month.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Gov. Mike DeWine's office announced Friday that he signed SB1 (Cirino), a sweeping and controversial higher education proposal that stalled in the prior session but got swift consideration this year under new House leadership. DeWine had indicated recently he was likely to sign it, pending a review of the final version, but that didn't stop numerous groups from urging a veto. The bill was sent to him Wednesday, shortly after the Senate agreed to House changes to the bill. The governor did not make a statement explaining the signing or hold a public event. Instead, his office announced he'd signed the bill and sent a picture of DeWine with the signed bill, flanked by the sponsor, Sen. Jerry Cirino (R-Kirtland), Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, Speaker Matt Huffman (R-Lima), House Workforce and Higher Education Committee Chair Tom Young (R-Washington Township) and Rep. Josh Williams (R-Oregon). Cirino advanced the bill as 135-SB83 last session but eventually said he'd quit negotiating with then-Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) and would await a change in the House, as Huffman was known at the time to be vying for Stephens' gavel.

Ohio's community colleges are experiencing an increase in enrollment, according to a recent report from the National Student Clearinghouse. The report showed fall 2024 enrollment estimates increasing by 6.4 percent compared to the previous year and outpacing the national average growth rate of 5.9 percent. This jump in enrollment underscores the role of Ohio's 22 community colleges in preparing a workforce to meet the demands of the state's economy.

Charles F. Bolden Jr., former NASA administrator, astronaut and U.S Marine major general, will deliver the spring commencement address to the Ohio State University graduating class of 2025 on Sunday, May 4. Appointed NASA's 12th administrator by former President Barack Obama, Bolden led NASA from 2009 to 2017. During his time as administrator, Bolden oversaw the agency's transition from space shuttle missions to a new age of using the International Space Station and innovative space and aeronautics technology development. The agency, under his leadership, also moved to using commercial vehicles for the transport of U.S. cargo and crews to low Earth orbit and developed a new strategic plan which led to the design and development of experimental airplanes making flight more efficient.

Neville G. Pinto, president of University of Cincinnati (UC), announced that Gerald "Gerry" Bradley, previously named UC's new executive vice president for academic affairs and provost, had moved on to "pursue other opportunities" and would not be joining the university in June. Bradley, who had been set to succeed Valerio Ferme at UC, was instead named the University of Louisville's (UofL) 20th president, effective immediately, following the acceptance of President Kim Schatzel's resignation during a UofL Board of Trustees special meeting Wednesday, March 26. Bradley had served as the UofL executive vice president and university provost prior to his being named president.

Marion Technical College (MTC) was one of 10 finalists for the 2025 Bellwether Awards from the Bellwether College Consortium, a group of colleges focused on addressing critical issues facing community colleges. While MTC did not win the top prize, the college was recognized for its work with Columbus State Community College (CSCC), a financial partnership that has brought success to MTC and its students. Before entering the collaboration with CSCC, MTC received less than $500,000 in grants from FY16 through FY20.

HUMAN SERVICES

The state has instituted changes to the self-service portal for recipients of certain public assistance benefits that will require them to have an OHID account for access. The Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal, used to manage the programs including Ohio Works First (OWF) cash assistance and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), will soon require an OHID account. This change will include security measures like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and optional OHID Identity Proofing.

LIBRARIES

House Republicans this week described their budget sub bill as providing a library funding increase, but the Ohio Library Council says recent and projected spending show it represents a decrease from current funding and Gov. Mike DeWine's proposal. However, a House GOP spokesperson said recent experience indicates actual funding will lag projections. Meanwhile, the proposed change in distribution methodology could create some big swings in county-level funding. The latest version of HB96 (Stewart) proposes $485 million in FY26 and $495 million in FY27 for libraries, to be distributed to counties on a per capita basis rather than through the Public Library Fund (PLF) formula used in recent history. In comparison, executive budget spending data show the PLF received $489 million in FY24 and is projected to receive $530 million in FY25. Under Gov. Mike DeWine's proposal, the percentage of state revenues dedicated to the PLF would increase from 1.7 percent to 1.75 percent, resulting in funding of $531 million in FY26 and $549 million in FY27, according to the Legislative Service Commission.

LIQUOR/ALCOHOL

In recognition of "Alcohol Awareness Month" this April, the Ohio Department of Commerce (DOC) Division of Liquor Control (DOLC) is reminding Ohio consumers and permit holders of the importance of following the state's liquor laws and prioritizing responsible alcohol consumption. Established in 1987 by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), Alcohol Awareness Month is intended to educate individuals and communities about the impact of alcohol abuse and how it can affect a person's physical, mental and emotional health. "Awareness helps to reduce the stigma surrounding alcohol addiction and encourages those who are struggling to seek help," DOC said.

MARIJUANA/HEMP

The House GOP's most prominent proponent of marijuana legalization, Rep. Jamie Callender (R-Concord), said while he's not necessarily a supporter of HB160 (Stewart), he praised Rep. Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) for proposing legislation that at least attempts to uphold the will of the voters. "Of the proposals that have been out there, other than the one I drafted maybe two years ago, this is the closest to what the voters voted on, and I think it's a platform that we can potentially work with. So I want to thank you for taking the time and effort to do that, and for your offer both privately, and publicly now, to work together to try to get this to a place where it actually is a good bill," Callender said during Wednesday's House Judiciary Committee meeting. Stewart provided sponsor testimony on HB160 during the meeting, saying the bill aims to address concerns raised by Ohioans on marijuana and intoxicating hemp.

MEDICAID/MEDICAID REFORM

Nearly every member of the House and Senate Democratic caucuses signed on to a letter to federal officials asking them not to approve the DeWine administration's latest attempt to institute work requirements for people enrolled in the Medicaid expansion group. They argue the loss of coverage for those who don't meet the requirements will lead to costlier acute care and pointed to cautionary indicators from other states' experience with work requirements. The federal government took comments on Ohio's request for a 1115 Demonstration Waiver to institute work requirements through Tuesday, April 7.

MILITARY AFFAIRS

The Ohio Adjutant General's Department announced Wednesday that around 12 members of the Ohio Army National Guard and eight visiting members of the Serbian and Hungarian armed forces will compete in 2025's Ohio Army National Guard "Best Warrior" Competition from Thursday through Sunday at Camp James A. Garfield Joint Military Training Center in Newton Falls. The competition involves multi-day events testing participants on a variety of technical and tactical skills, including a combat pistol qualification, tactical stress shoot, and a grenade launcher challenge. The members of the Serbian Armed Forces and Hungarian Defence Forces are competing as part of the Ohio National Guard's role in the U.S. Defense Department State Partnership Program.

NATURAL RESOURCES

The Ohio Oil and Gas Land Management Commission (OGLMC) on Friday awarded Encino Acquisition Partners LLC the right to drill for oil and gas on Leesville Wildlife Area land owned by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). The Carroll County property contains approximately 62.5 acres of land, according to a document provided by OGLMC. "The lease bonuses for this round of nominations for ODNR properties selected by the commission amount to $218,715. This is in addition to the extra financial incentives and royalties on production," ODNR spokesperson Karina Cheung said in an email. The additional financial incentive for this bid is 5.5 percent of production.

ODNR Director Mary Mertz addressed the House Arts, Athletics and Tourism Committee Tuesday on how the agency promotes outdoor tourism in the state. Mertz said outdoor recreation is a significant driver of the state's economy, pointing to a study that found that hunters, anglers, target shooters, and wildlife watchers generated an estimated $12.5 billion in annual economic activity in 2022. These activities boost local and state tax revenue by $1 billion each year. She also said that an economic study found overnight visitors brought $392 million in direct spending just in ODNR facilities and $39.3 million in state and local tax revenue was generated by park visitors in 2023.

PENSIONS

Attorney General Dave Yost followed through Wednesday on the State Teachers Retirement System's (STRS) agreement to enter and seek leadership of litigation against retailer Target over investment losses, stemming from what Yost describes as a "divisive social agenda" pursued by the company. Yost and STRS recently had sparred in correspondence regarding the lawsuit, which STRS initially resisted joining. The estimated losses to STRS from Target's stock value decline were under the $10 million threshold spelled out in STRS' policies regarding when joining securities litigation makes sense. But after hearing from Yost's office in closed-door executive session talks, the pension fund ultimately decided to join the case. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court in Florida.

PEOPLE

The Ohio Association for Career and Technical Education (Ohio ACTE) announced that Katherine Hite has been appointed as the organization's assistant director. Hite officially joined Ohio ACTE in her new role on Tuesday, April 1.

POVERTY

Data released by the Health Policy Institute of Ohio (HPIO) highlight a potential child poverty reduction that may follow an increased and refundable child tax credit (CTC) after Gov. DeWine called for a refundable $1,000 CTC for eligible families with children six years old and under in Ohio's proposed biennial budget. In 2021, the passage of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) allowed for federal expansion of the CTC and made the funds fully refundable to families receiving the aid. According to HPIO data, the passage of ARP led to a 55 percent drop in national child poverty, eliminating both deep poverty (income less than half of the federal poverty level) and extreme poverty (living on $2 or less a day per person).

At the state level, data collected using the supplemental poverty measure (SPM), showed that the percentage of Ohioans under 18 living in poverty dropped to 5.1 percent after ARP. HPIO data reported that 90 percent of Ohio households receiving the CTC in 2021 used the credit to cover basic needs such as food, clothing, rent, mortgage and utilities as well as educational expenses.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Ohio State Highway Patrol Superintendent Col. Charles Jones focused on family during his 2025 "State of the Patrol Address" at the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy Friday, while also highlighting a safety initiative aimed at reducing traffic fatalities. Jones said in 2024, troopers seized more than 7,000 pounds of marijuana, more than 600 pounds of cocaine, more than 500 pounds of methamphetamine, and nearly 100 pounds of fentanyl, as well as more than 14,000 doses of opiate pills. He said some of the drug seizures were among the largest in the history of the agency. He also said that the patrol took an "innovative step forward" against impaired driving, working with state partners and state legislators to create parameters for testing, validating results and collection procedures for oral fluid testing.

STATE GOVERNMENT

The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) recently added quarterly information on the grants it has awarded into the DataOhio portal. According to the Department of Administrative Services (DAS), 18 state agency programs provide information to the portal and there are more than 300 total datasets. The OFCC data, current through Dec. 31, 2024, includes grants awarded in specific counties and by year. Users can also sort by type of grants, including for Appalachian community innovation centers, cultural facilities, community schools, career technical construction, school safety programs and for MARCS radios. Dashboard information is limited to applications which received an award. Sports facility grants are not included in the data as well.

TAXATION

House members heard two bills Wednesday designed to address rising education levies and property taxes driven by failed school issues and spiking home values. The House Ways and Means Committee held first hearings on HB186 (Hoops-Thomas), which would sync school levy increases with inflation rather than unvoted mills, and HB103 (Troy-Hall), which would expand eligibility for the senior homestead exemption from the current income cap of $38,600 to a marginally higher $45,000 and increase the property tax deduction from a minimally adjusted $26,200 to nearly twice that, or $50,000. Reps. Jim Hoops (R-Napoleon), joint sponsor of HB186, said the legislation addresses the "number one" policy concern of all homeowners, while Rep. Thomas Hall (R-Middletown), joint sponsor of HB103, said his legislation seeks to assist Ohio's "most vulnerable" property taxpayers -- the elderly and people with developmental disabilities.

TRANSPORTATION/INFRASTRUCTURE

Gov. Mike DeWine signed transportation budget HB54 (Stewart) ahead of Monday evening's deadline, issuing no vetoes in the process. The $11.5 billion spending plan passed unanimously through the House and Senate, with the House ultimately agreeing to the Senate amendments 87-3 to avoid a conference committee. The plan includes funds for transit, created an Advanced Air Mobility Division in the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), allowed ODOT to move certain abandoned utility lines, and repealed a provision of 135-HB23 (Edwards) that forced ODOT to build an I-71 interchange between Strongsville and Brunswick, among other provisions. ODOT also outlined plans with funds in the budget to expand truck parking at Ohio rest areas around the state.

Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Pamela Boratyn Thursday kicked off the 2025 road construction season, which they said will invest a record $3.2 billion in road improvements, bridge updates, and safety projects. "We know that drivers see ODOT's orange barrels and cones as an inconvenience, but they are also a signal of progress and improvement," said DeWine. According to the DeWine administration, ODOT will undertake 955 new construction projects across the state this year, including 38 major projects with investments of more than $10 million each; 5,538 miles of pavement projects; 314 projects to repair and upgrade 844 individual bridges; and 171 large-scale safety projects specifically focused on reducing crashes and saving lives.

[Story originally published in The Hannah Report. Copyright 2025 Hannah News Service, Inc.]