House Budget Disregards Educational Future of Majority of Ohio’s Children The All in for Ohio Kids Coalition released the following statement about the Ohio House of Representatives substitute budget bill, HB 96: “Over the last two months, Ohioans from big cities, small towns and rural communities came together to protect our children’s future. They made phone calls, sent letters, met with legislators, testified at the Statehouse, and organized local days of action. They made clear that they value public education and want the state to pay its fair share. The sub bill presented by the House Finance Chair Brian Stewart today completely disregards their concerns and the wellbeing of the nearly 90% of Ohio children who attend a public school. Four years ago, lawmakers from both parties promised to fully implement the Fair School Funding Plan in the 2026-2027 state budget. Doing so will increase funding for 95% of school districts and maintain funding levels for the other 5%. The House budget throws the Fair School Funding Plan out the window, pulling the rug out from students and from districts that need a reliable source of funding to make long term plans. While Rep. Stewart claims that the state can’t afford full and fair school funding, the House budget proposal would direct more public dollars toward a new voucher for non-chartered, private schools which follow practically no state guidelines on student safety or academics. Members of our coalition spoke up for children with special needs who depend on public schools to give them the support they need to learn. They called for a school funding system that breaks down barriers and helps more children live up to their full potential. And they reminded legislators of their duty to make sure schools in their districts can afford to educate all the students they serve. We will continue to show up at the Statehouse, call our lawmakers and hold local meetings until lawmakers finally live up to the promise our state constitution makes to our children.” (fb)

Call your representatives! Tell them to fully fund our schools! (fb)