HB96 (Operating Budget)
In the late hours of June 30th, Governor DeWine signed HB96 (Operating Budget) into law. To read the nearly 6,000 page document in its entirety, please [click here].
Before signing, Governor DeWine vetoed 67 provisions. Most notably, Governor DeWine vetoed several property tax relief provisions within HB96 that he stated he was “concerned that imposing them now, all of them at once, on our local schools would create a huge, huge problem.” Governor DeWine also signaled that he will be bringing stakeholders together to work on a more complete and robust property tax overhaul in Ohio. Governor DeWine did approve the 2.75% flat income tax for Ohio. This means that the highest earners in Ohio (making more than $100,000/year) will no longer have to pay a 3.5% income tax. The Ohio Capital Journal reports that this income tax change will result in a loss of more than $1.1 billion for the general revenue fund. That loss is mitigated by cuts to social services and tax exemptions.
The budget also includes a provision that will give the Cleveland Browns $600 million for their new domed stadium. In a first in Ohio history, HB96 will allow the state to take legal ownership of $1.7 billion in unclaimed funds.
Most notably for gifted educators, gifted professional development funds have been removed from the Ohio budget. Please note that change does not impact the requirements for professional development. This is considered an unfunded mandate.
Statehouse Status Update
With the budget passed, the general assembly is on recess until the fall. In the meantime, here is a status update for future advocacy efforts:
- HB62: College Credit Plus changes
- (currently in the House Education Committee)
- HB114: Regards age requirements for kindergarten admission
- (currently in the Senate Education Committee)
- HB155: Prohibit DEI-public schools
- (currently in the House Education Committee)
- HB335: Law changes-county funding
- (currently in the House Ways and Means Committee)
- SB19: Regards academic intervention, math improvement and intervention
- (currently in the Senate Education Committee)
- SB93: Declare intent-new school financing system
- (currently in the Senate Finance Committee)
- SB113: Prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion in public schools
- (currently in the Senate Education Committee)
- (currently in the Senate Education Committee)
NAGC State of the States Report
The 2022-23 State of the States in Gifted Education report has been published by NAGC. This report outlines funding, identification, services, and policies throughout the US. To read the report and watch the Webinar from earlier this year, click [here].