LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) - Gov. Mike DeWine introduced a new two-year budget on Feb. 3, stating that the budget is "all about investing in Ohio's greatest asset, our people."
His budget includes investments to make quality child care more accessible for Ohio families throughout the state, as well as promote physical and mental wellness for Ohio’s children.
Since then, state representatives have been reviewing and modifying the $218 billion budget. As part of the budget, Ohio Republican lawmakers want to implement a flat income tax of less than 3% to keep the state competitive with its neighbors.
One state representative said he would like to see stricter oversight of the budget.
"Well, certainly we have been spending a lot of money the last couple years. So certainly some spending restraint, I think, is in line. I think we need to be selective. Coming off an era where we were spending a lot of COVID dollars, and maybe not on everything that we should have been spending it. I think this budget will be a little more reality, a little bit of less growth in spending, and some more priority areas get the funds," said Rep. Roy Klopfenstein, 82nd House District.
The Ohio House of Representatives is expected to release its version of the budget in the next few days.
