Ohio State Budget Deal: Universal Vouchers Replace Higher Ed Funding

Ohio lawmakers have reached a deal on the state budget, allocating nearly $190 billion over the next two fiscal years. The budget includes income tax cuts, universal vouchers for K-12 students, a ban on flavored vaping products, and increased spending for public schools. However, plans to change how public universities operate and increase public school funding were removed. The budget also includes provisions for a "free speech institute" at five public universities, restrictions on mandatory diversity training at colleges, and evaluation of professors for creating "classrooms free from bias." Additionally, the budget includes tax cuts, a new sales tax holiday, and parental consent requirements for social media accounts for children. Some proposed changes to social services, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, were eliminated from the final budget. Senate Democrats voted against the budget, citing concerns about leaving behind vulnerable populations.