Rep. Schmidt Champions Regional Projects, Votes in Support of Capital Budget Bill

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - State Representative Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland) Wednesday voted in support of Ohio's Capital Budget bill, a two-year capital improvements budget for community projects throughout the state totaling nearly $4 billion.

The bill provides appropriations for state infrastructure needs, including renovations to state offices, new construction for mental health facilities, land acquisition, and equipment. The plan also includes just over $200 million for community projects, which are projects that come from outside of state agencies and have a benefit or nexus to the state.

All 88 counties will receive funding for community projects.

Rep. Schmidt helped secure investments for the following community projects in District 62:

• $203,000, Cold Chain Infrastructure Update, Clermont County
• $150,000, Loveland Nisbet Park Playground, Clermont County
• $100,000, Miami Township Community Park Playground, Clermont County
• $500,000, Cincinnati Nature Center Parking Lot Improvements, Clermont County
• $600,000, Clermont County Fairgrounds Community Cattle and Show Pavillion, Clermont County
• $100,000, Historic Milford Promont Museum Preservation Project, Clermont County
• $150,000, Batavia Township Park Improvements, Clermont County
• $75,000, Clingman Mountain Bike Skills Loop, Clermont County
• $200,000, Felicity Apartments Housing Project, Clermont County
• $100,000, Veterans Village Clubhouse, Clermont County
• $66,000, Bethel Historical Museum HVAC, Clermont County
• $50,000, Franklin Township Community Park (Farmer Barger) Improvements, Clermont County
• $10,000, Anchorage House Museum Improvements, Clermont County
• $100,000, Village of New Richmond Building Restoration Project, Clermont County
• $15,000, Community Park Disc Golf Course Improvements, Clermont County
• $100,000, Milford Pickleball Courts, Clermont County

The Ohio House also passed House Bill 479, legislation that includes an amendment to direct budget surplus funding for community projects, property tax relief, and other key priorities across the state.

"There are many things I am thankful for in this Capital Budget," said Schmidt. "It is a true benefit to the taxpayers, and improvements throughout Ohio will be addressed through this budget. In addition to these community improvements, the concurrence of the budget corrections through House Bill 479 included a nursing home provision that has been three years in the making. One of my proudest accomplishments has been fighting on behalf of these facilities to force Medicaid to pay these individuals what they deserve for the work that they have done in serving our citizens."

Through this bill, Ohio House Republicans prioritized investing in Ohio's future by expanding access to education and healthcare through new facilities or upgrades to existing ones, improving parks and roadways to better connect communities, and strengthening local facilities across the state by providing necessary funding for enhancements.

This bill now heads to the Governor for consideration.