(Submitted by State Rep. Theresa Gavarone)
State Rep. Theresa Gavarone, R-Bowling Green, today announced the Ohio House passage of legislation jointly sponsored by Reps. Dave Greenspan, R-Westlake, and Scott Ryan, R-Granville Township. Substitute House Bill 415 seeks to create the Local Government Road Improvement Fund, to which one half of state surplus revenue each fiscal year will be allocated. This will supply funds to local governments for road improvement projects.
The bill prevents any General Assembly from passing legislation that decreases the amount allocated to the Local Government Improvement Fund, which must be at least 1.66 percent of the General Revenue Fund. Sub. H.B. 415 also includes certain limitations in order to keep the Budget Stabilization Fund (BSF), otherwise known as the state’s Rainy Day Fund, at a sufficient balance.
Historically, surplus revenue from the General Revenue Fund has been deposited into the BSF. Beginning in fiscal year 2020, Sub. H.B. 415 provides that half of the surplus will be moved to the Local Government Road Improvement Fund, and the other fifty percent will be placed in the BSF to maintain its required level (which is 8.5 percent of the General Revenue Fund). The distribution of funds will be based on locally maintained center lane miles in each county.
“As a former member of Bowling Green City Council, I know all too well how important the Local Government Fund is to local communities across the state and I am thrilled to co-sponsor this legislation,” said Gavarone. “This is yet another strong proposal House Republicans have created to enhance resources to local governments so that they can continue funding vital services and programs for our constituents and I look forward to sharing the news with my local officials.”
Sub. H.B. 415 is a Buckeye Pathway bill, strengthening communities and towns by providing monetary resources for road improvement throughout the state. Something as simple as a safe road can supply an opportunity for Ohio residents.
Having passed out of the House, Substitute House Bill 415 now awaits consideration by the Ohio Senate.
