Americans for Prosperity – Ohio (AFP-OH) Wraps up Successful Legislative Weeks, Advancing Key Reforms
COLUMBUS, OH—Since early last week, Americans for Prosperity-Ohio (AFP-OH) has made significant legislative progress, contributing to the advancement of four state Senate bills, a state House bill, and Medicaid legislation.
AFP-OH State Director Donovan O’Neil released the following statement:
“At Americans for Prosperity, we work hard every day to break down barriers and champion prosperity in Ohio. We are proud of the progress made these past few weeks to advance energy independence, economic progress, health care reform, and education freedom. We remain committed to working with state lawmakers to further advance this legislation and continue progress forward.”
Senate Bill 2
- S.B. 2 creates more opportunities for Ohio to be energy abundant. By fostering transparency, competition, energy affordability, while eliminating burdensome regulations, S.B. 2 creates a more energy efficient Ohio.
- AFP-OH Legislative Director Hannah Kubbins delivered proponent testimony in front of the Senate Energy Committee.
AFP-OH Legislative Director Hannah Kubbins made the following statement in her testimony:
“AFP believes affordable, reliable energy is a key driver of prosperity and economic opportunity. Top-down environmental and climate regulations that constrain choice and replace consumer preferences with politically preferred technology and fuels hurt the most vulnerable citizens. A better way for energy policy is to recognize and embrace bottom-up innovations, remove barriers to voluntary efficiency and environmental progress, reorient programs away from restricting new market entrants, and streamline permitting and licensing requirements for all types of energy innovation. We strive to let the market deliver the right mix of energy at the lowest cost.”
Senate Bill 8
- S.B 8 prohibits a public employer from providing paid leave or compensation for a public employee to engage in certain union activities. Sponsor testimony was provided to committee this week, and AFP-OH commends State Senator Steve Huffman for sponsoring this bill.
Senate Bill 44
- S.B. 44 allows students to concurrently receive an Educational Choice scholarship or Pilot Project scholarship, and either an Autism or Jon Peterson Special Needs scholarship, allowing students to unlock more opportunities for educational success. AFP-OH commends State Senator Sandra O’Brien for sponsoring this critical reform.
Senate Bill 68
- S.B. 68 established the Non-chartered Educational Savings Program, expanding school choice and education freedom in Ohio. This bill aligns with AFP’s mission to give ensure every child has access to a high-quality education. AFP-OH commends State Senator Mark Romanchuk for sponsoring this bill.
- AFP-OH State Director Donovan O’Neil, as well as 16 AFP-OH activists delivered proponent testimony in front of the Senate Finance Committee.
AFP-OH State Director Donovan O’Neil made the following statement in his testimony:
“SB68 expands the supply of education options by providing financial support to non-chartered non-public schools; a key gap in the current school choice funding landscape. This encourages the growth of alternative educational institutions, leading to more innovative offerings. The program ensures that all families, regardless of means, have access to these expanded options. Senate Bill 68 represents a significant step forward in supporting families, maximizing flexibility, and expanding the supply of education options in Ohio.”
House Bill 28
- H.B 28 eliminates the authority to levy replacement property tax levies. Sponsor testimony was given this week, and AFP-OH thanks
House Medicaid Committee
- AFP Policy Analyst Sofia Hamilton delivered proponent testimony in front of the House Medicaid Committee.
AFP-OH Policy Analyst Sofia Hamilton made the following statement in her testimony:
“A thoughtful approach to reforming Medicaid expansion would be to phase down the federal contribution rate for the expansion population. If the expansion FMAP were to be phased down to equal the FMAP for the traditional Medicaid population, states would be forced to reassess. Some would undoubtedly de-expand, as some vowed to do if the federal match ever falls below 90%. Others would accept the increased cost.”
