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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation (OLBCF)
Date: January 4, 2025
Governor Mike DeWine’s newly unveiled $218 billion state budget includes investments in education, workforce development, and public safety, but raises significant concerns regarding funding priorities and tax increases that disproportionately impact Black communities in Ohio. While there are positive elements in the budget, OLBCF is deeply concerned that it fails to equitably invest in Black communities and ignores critical priorities such as Black maternal health, economic empowerment, and mental health support for Black leadership.
Key Budget Areas & OLBCF’s Position
Education Equity & Fair School Funding Budget Proposal:
Full funding for the final two years of the Fair School Funding Plan
Increased state aid for low-income parents
Expanded school bus safety & driver’s education programs
As this budget currently stands, OLBCF’s position is: We support fully funding the Fair School Funding Plan but demand greater accountability to ensure Black majority school districts receive their fair share. Funding must close opportunity gaps, not perpetuate inequities.
Increased Taxes on Sports Betting, Marijuana & Nicotine Budget Proposal:
Higher taxes on sports gambling, marijuana, and nicotine—potentially to fund a Cleveland Browns stadium.
As this budget currently stands, OLBCF’s position is: We strongly oppose increasing taxes that disproportionately impact Black and low-income communities to fund a stadium. If taxes must be raised, they should directly support affordable housing, healthcare access, education, and economic empowerment for Black Ohioans. Higher Education & Workforce Development
Budget Proposal:
A portion of higher education funding will be tied to graduate job placement rates
As this budget currently stands, OLBCF’s position is: We are concerned that tying funding to job placement may disadvantage HBCUs and institutions serving marginalized students, who often face systemic hiring barriers. Workforce policies must include wraparound support services, career pipelines, and equitable job opportunities for Black graduates.
Investment in Black Maternal Health & Mental Health
What’s Missing?
No dedicated funding for Black maternal health initiatives
No mental health resources for Black leadership and professionals
As this budget currently stands, OLBCF’s position is: We urge lawmakers to allocate funding for Black maternal health programs, including doula services, culturally competent healthcare, and economic support for Black mothers. Additionally, Ohio must invest in mental health services tailored to Black professionals and community leaders who face unique challenges and burnout.
Call to Action
We urge lawmakers to:
Redirect tax revenue toward critical community investments rather than a stadium.
Ensure Fair School Funding truly supports Black-majority districts.
Implement equitable workforce policies that don’t penalize marginalized students.
Dedicate funding to Black maternal health & mental health programs.
What You Can Do:
Stay informed: Follow OLBCF for budget updates.
Contact your lawmakers: Demand budget changes that prioritize Black Ohioans.
Engage with us: Join OLBCF’s advocacy efforts to shape this budget. OLBCF remains committed to fighting for equity in Ohio’s budget process. We will continue advocating for a budget that truly reflects the needs of our communities—not just corporations and stadium deals.
Stay engaged, stay informed, and let’s make sure our voices are heard!
About OLBCF
The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation (OLBCF) is Ohio’s premier Black think tank, advancing equity, justice, and opportunity for Black communities. For over 30 years, OLBCF has championed transformative policies to empower Black Ohioans and dismantle systemic barriers. We envision a future where all Ohioans are free from racial and economic inequities, empowered to reach their full potential.
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