Lawmakers pass new budget with clean water money for Lake Erie

SANDUSKY -- Lawmakers have reached a deal on Ohio's new two year budget, including $172 million to fund the new H2Ohio fund for capital improvements for water quality.State officials have promised Sandusky will receive some of the H2Ohio money to develop new wetlands along Sandusky Bay to help filter out nutrients that feed harmful algal blooms.Gov. Mike DeWine had asked lawmakers to create the new fund and provide money for 10 years. The new budget provides funding for the first two years, with additional funding a work in progress.The Ohio House had approved $85 million, so the final figure settled upon by lawmakers is a victory for clean water supporters and for the Senate, which had proposed $170 million.State Sen. Theresa Gavarone, R-Bowling Green, said she is pleased the clean water fund will be getting off to a good start."Obviously, improving the water quality in Lake Erie is an issue I am very passionate about," Gavarone said. "This budget makes a substantial commitment of nearly $175 million in the H2Ohio program over the next two years, and while there is still work to do, I am excited to see the results of our investment."The Senate voted 29-1 to approve the final version of the budget bill. The new state budget was supposed to take effect on July 1, but lawmakers delayed final action until Wednesday to iron out remaining differences between the House and Senate.Gavarone said the state budget will include a 4 percent across the board income tax cut, increases in funding for public schools and colleges and more money for public libraries and local governments.The Associated Press reported Wednesday the budget also raises the age for buying tobacco to 21, directs $550 million for educational wraparound services such as mental health counseling, changes high school graduation requirements and keeps tax incentives for making movies in Ohio.It also moves the 2020 primary election to St. Patrick's Day, a change opposed by Democrats.Gov. Mike DeWine must sign the budget for it to take effect but also can veto provisions he doesn't like.Gavarone, whose district includes Erie and Ottawa counties, said she's pleased with the final result."I am proud that we could come together in a bipartisan way to pass a balanced budget that provides crucial services for the people of Ohio," Gavarone said."As a result of our work, we will see improvements to the water quality in Lake Erie, better funding for schools, more take-home pay for Ohioans, and numerous other reforms that continue to make Ohio a great place to live, work, and raise a family," she said.Sen. Theresa Gavarone talks with reporter Tom Jackson during "Between the Lines" on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019.