COLUMBUS, Ohio — State Representative Brian Stewart (R-Ashville), Chair of the House Finance Committee, today formally introduced Ohio’s highly anticipated Capital Budget bill. The massive two-year capital improvements plan maps out nearly $3.7 billion in total appropriations to modernize the state’s infrastructure and jumpstart vital community initiatives.
A major victory for local governments, the proposed bill explicitly guarantees that every single one of Ohio’s 88 counties will receive a share of just over $200 million earmarked strictly for local community projects. These are projects born outside of traditional state agencies that provide a direct, meaningful public benefit to local regions.
“This Capital Budget is well-rounded, with support for local projects that equally prioritizes both rural and urban communities across Ohio,” Chairman Stewart said in a statement. “I’m proud to say that every single county in the state will receive funding to support critical projects and strengthen local communities.”
Heavy Investments in Mental Health, Schools, and Roadways
Beyond localized community earmarks, House Republicans have carved out significant chunks of the budget for monumental statewide healthcare, public safety, and education upgrades. Standout statewide investments detailed in the legislation include:
- $600 Million for K-12 Classrooms: Facilitated through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, this massive funding injection is aimed directly at building assistance and modernization for local school districts.
- $500 Million for Local Infrastructure: Appropriated through the Ohio Public Works Commission’s State Capital Improvements Program (SCIP), this fund represents a sweeping $100 million increase over the previous capital budget to repair local roads, bridges, and water systems.
- $275 Million for a New Behavioral Health Hospital: Slated for construction in the Miami Valley, this facility will drastically expand psychiatric healthcare access for residents across Southwestern Ohio.
- $150 Million for the Columbus Developmental Center: This money will completely replace and upgrade the aging facility operated by the Department of Developmental Disabilities.
- $35 Million Youth Psychiatric Facility: This specialized pediatric mental health center will be jointly run by two of the state’s premier medical institutions: Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
- $10 Million for East Cleveland: Dedicated emergency infrastructure funding to provide critical, overdue updates to stabilize the local community.
The Legislative Path Forward
According to House leadership, the primary focus of the package is to deploy Ohio’s tax dollars into tangible, long-term assets—improving recreational parks, fortifying roadways, upgrading public safety facilities, and expanding medical access.
The introduction of the bill kicks off the formal legislative process. The package must now survive thorough vetting, public testimony, and potential amendments within the House Finance Committee before heading to the full House and Senate floors for a vote. Once passed by both chambers, it will land on the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.
