Governor Releases Executive Budget: Family Medicine Line Cut in FY 22; Restored to Current Funding Level in FY 23

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine unveiled his Executive Budget for Fiscal Years (FY) 2022-23 on February 1. In his budget, Gov. DeWine proposes cutting Family Medicine line item in FY22 funding it at $2,888,463 and then restoring funding of the line in FY 23 to $3,007,876 which is the current (FY 21) funding level.

A press release from the Governor’s office, touted the budget document as an aggressive plan to spur Ohio’s continued recovery by investing in communities, people, and businesses – launching a strategic effort to invest more than $1 billion toward accelerating economic growth and ensuring economic vitality. Billed as the “Investing In Ohio Initiative,” the budget targets one-time investments to the most hard-hit industries in the pandemic.

The Governor’s press statement continues:

The “Investing In Ohio Initiative” within the proposed Executive Budget includes $460 million to support Ohio’s small businesses that have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

• • Investing $200 million in grants for bars and restaurants
  • Investing $150 million in grants for Small Business Relief Grant applicants, who previously applied and are qualified
  • And investing $20 million in grants for new businesses, many of whom were unqualified to receive previous funding.

The “Investing In Ohio Initiative” also includes a $70 million investment to upskill Ohio’s workforce. This funding works to ensure that businesses have access to the talent needed to be successful, while upskilling Ohioans who are looking to acquire in-demand, tech-focused credentials. The workforce investments also includes targeted funding for economically distressed rural and urban parts of Ohio.

• • Investing an additional $5 million for 5,000 tech-focused credentials through the TechCred program in FY 21
  • Funding $50 million ($25 million in each FY 22 and 23) for 40,000 tech-focused credentials through the TechCred program
  • And investing $15 million for workforce efforts in economically distressed rural and urban communities.

Ohio’s communities have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The “Investing In Ohio Initiative” includes a targeted investment of $200 million to support infrastructure projects that will attract new jobs and investment opportunities. Additionally, the budget makes a landmark investment towards broadband expansion by providing $250 million to help bridge the digital divide.

The “Investing In Ohio Initiative” also includes a $50 million investment toward elevating Ohio’s standing on a national scale through a marketing campaign to promote the state as a world-class place to live, work, and learn. The initiative aims to showcase all that Ohio, and its people, have to offer, including its wide array of career opportunities, top-tier colleges and universities, premier destinations, and vibrant communities.

Gov. DeWine’s proposed Executive Budget also invests in key administration initiatives, such as RecoveryOhio, Children’s Initiative, H2Ohio, workforce development, TechCred, and broadband.

The proposed Executive Budget “blue book,” including Gov. DeWine’s full budget recommendations and budget highlights, can be found on budget.ohio.gov. More information and facts sheets on Gov. DeWine’s Executive Budget will be forthcoming.”

The budget will now go to the Ohio House of Representatives for consideration. The unveiling of the Executive Budget is often described as the first inning of a nine inning baseball game. The entire budget adoption process typically concludes in late June.