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State Budget Information

Fiscal Year 2026-2027 State Budget

House Passes Substitute House Bill (HB) 96
4/8/25
The Ohio House amended the state budget to include $490 million in library funding for FY 2026 and $500 million for FY 2027. While the OLC appreciates the House's efforts to adjust the funding proposal, it’s important to recognize that this allocation still falls $90.8 million short of the funding level recommended by Governor DeWine over the biennium. See the Appropriations Spreadsheet from the Legislative Service Commission.

Additionally, the Ohio House changed how library funding is allocated. Instead of receiving 1.7% of the state’s General Revenue Fund (GRF)—as established in permanent law—the Public Library Fund (PLF) would become a line-item appropriation. This change could put future library funding at greater risk, as line-item appropriations are more vulnerable to elimination.

Substitute House Bill 96 now moves to the Ohio Senate, where lawmakers will begin shaping their version of the budget.

Ohio House Introduces Substitute House Bill (HB) 96
4/1/25
The House's version of the state budget reduces public library funding by $100 million. OLC is urging the Ohio House to restore the Public Library Fund (PLF) at 1.75% of the state's General Revenue Fund (GRF). The amount in Governor DeWine's budget proposal.

OLC Testimony on House Bill (HB) 96
House Finance Committee
3/11/25

The OLC testified before the Ohio House Finance Committee on HB 96. OLC's Executive Director Michelle Francis urged House members to set the Public Library Fund at 2% of the General Revenue Fund.

House Bill (HB) 96 - State Budget Bill
2/11/25
House Bill (HB) 96, the state budget bill for Fiscal Years (FY) 2026-2027, was formally introduced by the Ohio House. This is the first step in the legislative process.

Executive Budget
2/3/25
Ohio’s Fiscal Year 2026-2027 state budget process is underway. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Office of Budget Management Director Kim Murnieks introduced the state’s 2026-2027 executive budget. The budget proposal shows a commitment to Ohio’s public libraries, with plans to increase the Public Library Fund (PLF) share of the General Revenue Fund from 1.7% to 1.75% in FY 26 and FY 27.

The OLC is closely monitoring the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 State Budget Bill and its impact on the Public Library Fund (PLF). Watch this page for updates. Please direct questions to Jay Smith, OLC’s Director of Government and Legal Services.