COLUMBUS, Ohio — Governor Mike DeWine delivered the budget for his second term in office, during his state of the state address this week. It is said to be one of the largest budgets in the state's history.
Governor DeWine said he is looking to the future, one that's dedicated to creating resources and opportunities for all Ohioans.
Over the next two years, DeWine's budget proposal has money focusing on education, economic development, public safety, and mental health.
"It's a budget that focuses on our people on our families and on our children -for they are truly Ohio's greatest assets. It reflects our obligation to make sure every Ohioan has the tools to succeed. To get a good job to live their dreams whatever that may be," said the governor.
DeWine also said he's looking to create a new state agency, that would provide resources for early childhood education and for people with behavioral health problems.
But first, the more than $700 million budget will need to be approved by the state legislature and that approval won't happen overnight.
"A lot of those initiatives come with a big price tag, and we are going to have to sit down and go line by line and ensure that a balanced budget is introduced in both the house and the senate and is something that we all can agree upon. So, it's a pretty long process," said Republican State Representative Josh Williams from District 41.
Representative Williams said the hearings to review the governor's budget begin this week.
He said one of the first concerns is what the budget will cost the citizens.
"I know that it's our goal as a republican controlled house to reduce the state income tax here so it's going to be a balancing between how much we can spend and how much we can save from individuals pockets when it comes to those tax rates," said Williams.
Although it will take time, Williams said after attending the State of the State Address he was excited for the future.
The proposed budget will offer tax deductions for families, spend more money in education, and create more jobs. The governor's plan is to invest $579 million into supporting the essential work force for people with disabilities.
In DeWine's last budget proposal, this investment was $308 million.
The governor plans to support disability services that he says will provide better opportunities for children in Ohio. And he plans to invest in the EdChoice Program, which he says will give more educational opportunities to Ohio children.
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