We hope you are all safe and well!
Since the end of March, we’ve been reporting that a capital bill is uncertain. This remains to be the case. Nothing has been introduced and it could be months before there is a bill. For infrastructure customers, this means there is currently no funding for previously selected Round 34 State Capital Improvement Program (SCIP) projects, Revolving Loan Program (RLP) projects, and the Round 34 Small Government program. There is also no appropriation for Round 35 and no funding for the Emergency Program. In addition, for Clean Ohio customers, this also means there is no appropriation for future rounds (i.e., 15 and 16). Our Integrating Committees and Natural Resource Assistance Councils are understandably on hold.
We have also been reporting that a reappropriations bill has been delayed. Last week, H.B. 670 was introduced in the House and is having its 1 st hearing today in House Finance. In addition, the Senate introduced S.B. 316 yesterday which is also scheduled to be heard today in Senate Finance. Both the House and Senate are planning to have legislation to Governor DeWine for his signature by the end of June, if not before.
We are doing our best to keep our customers informed about our funding status. We understand our funding may appear complicated as we rely on various budget bills to fund and operate our programs due to various types of funding sources. Operating budgets are enacted in each odd-numbered year. The main operating budget is the primary funding vehicle for the three branches of state government, executive (state agencies, boards, commissions), legislative (Ohio General Assembly), and judicial (Ohio Supreme Court), making operating appropriations for state programs. The transportation budget bill makes appropriations related to transportation and public safety, programs funded by motor fuel excise taxes (“gas tax”).