COLUMBUS, OH – Yesterday, Americans for Prosperity–Ohio (AFP-OH) testified in support of House Bill 645 (HB 645) before the House Finance Committee. The legislation would establish zero-based budgeting requirements for state agencies and the Office of Budget and Management, requiring agencies to justify expenditures from the ground up rather than relying on prior-year spending baselines. Zero-based budgeting would occur every ten years, starting with the 137th General Assembly in January 2027.
AFP-OH Legislative Director Hannah Kubbins delivered the testimony, highlighting the need for greater transparency, accountability, and long-term fiscal discipline in Ohio’s budgeting process. She released the following statement:
“HB 645 represents a meaningful step toward a more transparent and accountable budgeting process in Ohio. By requiring agencies to justify spending from the ground up, lawmakers and taxpayers alike will have a clearer understanding of how public dollars are being allocated.
“Zero-based budgeting helps ensure spending decisions are intentional, disciplined, and aligned with Ohio’s core priorities. It also creates opportunities to identify outdated or low-value programs and improve stewardship of taxpayer resources.
“While HB 645 is an important reform, Ohio should continue pursuing broader structural budgeting improvements that promote long-term fiscal stability, strengthen legislative oversight, and encourage sustainable policymaking.
“We urge the legislature to pass HB 645 and continue building a budgeting process that delivers better outcomes for Ohio taxpayers.”
