State budget passes Ohio House
Published by: Jared Weiser
April 16, 2025 | Government Affairs, Public Awareness
State budget decisions play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape in which credit unions operate and thrive. That’s why the League diligently monitors Ohio’s two-year budget process, ensuring state policies are aligned with your mission to serve your members.
Earlier this month, the Ohio House of Representatives passed the state operating budget (Substitute House Bill 96) by a 60-39 vote. Notably, the House-approved version of the budget includes a key provision that permits a school district to excuse a student from the financial literacy instruction graduation requirement if the student participates in a program offered through the student branch of a credit union or bank. A special shout-out goes to Atomic Credit Union for their efforts on this critical issue. This provision offers greater clarity to school districts and encourages collaboration with local credit unions to meet the financial literacy requirement. The League will continue advocating for the preservation of this language as the budget progresses through the legislative process.
Sub. HB 96 also includes a section on housing policy that would create incentives through the Department of Development for townships and municipalities to adopt pro-housing policies. To accomplish this goal, the bill would create the Housing Accelerator fund, funded at $2.5 million per fiscal year. The new program would provide grants based on population for municipalities and townships that implement pro-housing policies regarding zoning, parking restrictions, building codes, etc. The League is currently evaluating this proposal, but we are encouraged that the Ohio General Assembly recognizes the need for affordable housing and is looking at some “out-of-the-box” thinking to solve the problem.
While no major concerns have surfaced in the budget so far, it’s important to note that there will be a few more revisions along the way. As the budget advances to the Ohio Senate, the League will continue to proactively engage with lawmakers and stakeholders to protect and promote the interests of credit unions and the communities they serve.
