Ohio Senate passes capital budget: $3.7B proposed in 2-year plan

Ohio state senators unanimously passed the state’s biennial capital budget bill on June 3.

Senate Bill 450 includes about $3.7 billion bill, about $500 million less than the capital budget passed in 2024.

The previous capital budget contained about $700 million in unused COVID funds. The one-time spend was dubbed the “Super Duper Fund.”

Of the total proposed spend, $3.43 billion is supported by new debt and $260 million is supported by cash.

The state’s capital budget is separate from the biennial transportation budget, which was signed into law last year.

Funds from the capital budget will help improve state buildings, universities, parks and prisons.

Just over $236 million was allocated for prison repair, maintenance or updates.

The Ohio State University will receive $61 million for work on Hughes and Ramseyer Halls and Central State University will get $29.1 million for renovations. Another $49.5 million in aid is dedicated to smaller state college institutions.

This is a brick-and-mortar budget, not the roads-and-bridges budget.

While it does not focus on roads, S.B. 450 will create significant work opportunities for members of the building trades, as many of these projects will be covered by the state’s

Prevailing Wage law

Unlike prior capital budgets, members of the Senate and House worked together to craft the initial legislation.

As reported by the Statehouse News Bureau, S.B. 450 sponsor and Senate Finance Chair Sen. Jerry Cirino (R-Kirkland), said senators worked with House Finance Chairman, Rep. Brian Stewart (R-Ashville), to evaluate and prioritize key projects around the state to produce a fiscally responsible community-based budget.

A bill identical to S.B. 450, House Bill 959, has been introduced in the House.

“This Capital Budget is well-rounded, with support for local projects that equally prioritizes both rural and urban communities across Ohio,” said Stewart in a prepared statement. “I’m proud to

say that every single county in the state will receive funding to support critical projects and strengthen local communities.”

Some of the largest set-asides in the bill include $600 million for school construction and $500 million for local infrastructure projects – an increase of $100 million from the previous capital budget.

Besides spending for state infrastructure projects, Senate Bill 450 includes just over $200 million for “community projects” proposed by nonprofits, local governments, and other groups around the state.

Some of the well-known organizations and venues that will receive financial support include $2 million each for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Museum of Art, plus $1.5 million for the Cleveland Orchestra.

The Columbus Association for the Performing Arts will receive $2.85 million for two projects, while $58.1 million was set aside for renovations at the Ohio Historical Center in Columbus.

By law, both chambers must pass a capital bill and reconcile any differences before midnight on June 30.