On June 15, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 450, the state’s biennial capital budget bill, into law for fiscal years 2027 and 2028
DeWine signed the bill the same day state representatives passed the bill 95-3. Ohio state senators unanimously passed S.B. 450, by a 31-0 vote on June 3.
“The investments we are announcing today build upon the work we have done to strengthen communities, support our workforce, and grow the economy over the last seven years,” said DeWine. “The projects outlined in this budget will improve our parks, county fairgrounds, and historical sites; upgrade schools and classrooms to support the future workforce; promote safe and independent living for Ohioans with disabilities; continue building the mental healthcare system; and more. This capital budget impacts all Ohioans today and for the future.”
A Brick-and-Mortar 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 qualify under the state’s Prevailing Wage law.
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 — this is a brick-and-mortar budget, not a roads-and-bridges budget.
Lt. Governor Jim Tressel called the budget a tool that makes strong communities possible.
“It reflects our commitment to creating opportunities for Ohio families in every aspect,” he said. “From schools to workforce development, to local infrastructure and community spaces. These investments will serve Ohioans for years to come.”
“The projects funded through this budget plan will benefit both rural and urban communities across the state,” said Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman (R-Lima).
The roughly $3.7 billion bill allocates about $500 million less than the capital budget passed in 2024, which contained about $700 million in unused COVID funds — a one-time spend 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.
Bipartisan and Statewide
Unlike prior capital budgets, members of the Senate and House worked together to craft the initial legislation. 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.
“This Capital Budget is well-rounded, with support for local projects that equally prioritizes both rural and urban communities across Ohio,” said Stewart. “I’m proud to say that every single county in the state will receive funding to support critical projects and strengthen local communities.”
Key Spending Highlights
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. The bill also includes just over $200 million for community projects proposed by nonprofits, local governments and other groups around the state.
Proposed Spending in the State Capital Budget
The following is a list of notable projects proposed to receive funding. This is not the full list:
- $346 million for improvements at behavioral health facilities
- $236.8 million for prisons
- $210 million for Clean Ohio and low-interest loans to local governments
- $208 million for statewide developmental disabilities centers
- $150 million to replace and upgrade the Columbus Developmental Center at the Department of Developmental Disabilities
- $142.2 million for cultural, arts and history projects
- $122.6 million for state building renovations
- $76.9 million for state parks
- $61 million for Hughes and Ramseyer Halls at Ohio State University
- $58.1 million for renovations at the Ohio Historical Center in Columbus
- $52.8 million for renovations at Ohio Army and Air National Guard facilities
- $38 million for dam rehabilitation
- $35 million for a specialty psychiatric facility supporting mental health for Ohio’s youth, jointly operated by Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
- $24.1 million for the Ohio State Fair
- $24 million to the Ohio Department of Taxation to modernize the state’s electronic tax filing system
- $10 million for OARnet, the network that provides broadband for Ohio’s educational institutions
- $10 million for the expansion of the state’s Supercomputer Center
- $10 million for townships under 5,000 residents
- $2.85 million for two Columbus Association for the Performing Arts projects
- $500,000 each for the Little Theater Off Broadway in Grove City
- $200,000 for the Pickerington Covered Bridge