Ohio’s state operating budget is officially in overtime. The House of Representatives voted 90-2 on Sunday evening to join the Senate (who voted late Saturday evening) in approving a 17-day interim budget after both chambers were unable to resolve issues in HB 166 and reach a deal on the state's two-year spending plan. This is the third time state legislators failed to meet the legal deadline and pass a budget by the July 1 fiscal year date in the past 28 years. This occurred in 1991 as well as 2009.
State government agencies and services will continue uninterrupted, fully funded at current levels as the state’s new fiscal year begins today, July 1. Republican Gov. Mike DeWine immediately signed the interim operating budget to keep the state operating.
Media reports indicate that House Speaker Larry Householder and Senate President Larry Obhof hope they will not need all 17 days to finalize the budget and get the nearly $69 billion two-year budget (3,200+ page bill) to Gov. DeWine for his signature — and potential line-item vetoes.
Columbus area media coverage: