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This week, the Ohio General Assembly voted to pass House Bill 96, which is the state’s two-year operating budget. The $90.5 billion package will now head to Gov. Mike DeWine for his consideration and potential line-item vetoes. 

There are several notable highlights for Ohio farmers within the budget legislation, including funding for: H2Ohio, animal health and animal disease response, the College of Veterinary Medicine at Ohio State, and the Brownfield Remediation Program. 

While Ohio continues to lead efforts to improve water quality, those enrolled in the H2Ohio program will be able to continue to use these resources to display positive results over the next two years of sustained funding through the budget. As many enrollees in the program begin to show long-term results, continued funding is critical to demonstrate Ohio’s commitment to its farmers. 

Additionally, as Ohio farmers struggled with animal health needs this spring, the state has responded with increased funding for animal health programs, including additional funds to assist with livestock disease testing and emergency response needs. 

In addition to the on-farm needs of animal agriculture, the state increased funding for the Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine to expand the number of seats available for veterinary medicine students, including specific seats reserved for Ohio residents.

As Ohioans continue to discuss land use, the state budget provides for continued support of the Brownfield Remediation Program. This tool allows communities to support the redevelopment of these sites throughout the state, something Ohio Farm Bureau supports as a land use management tool. 

Ohio Farm Bureau will share additional information and implications about these items and more in the coming weeks. The final version of the state’s two-year operating budget must be signed into law by midnight June 30.