Columbus, OH – Rea S. Hederman Jr., executive director of the Economic Research Center and vice president of policy at The Buckeye Institute, offered initial comments on Governor Mike DeWine’s proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 budget.

“While there are many details to be ironed out, The Buckeye Institute commends Governor DeWine for acknowledging that the state is overfunding public school districts with declining enrollment and not providing enough funding for schools that students are attending. Buckeye also applauds Governor DeWine’s effort to better align Ohio’s higher education funding to outcomes for graduates and is pleased with the proposal to ensure students in K-12 schools are given comprehensive information about in-demand jobs.

“Notwithstanding the positives, The Buckeye Institute is disappointed not to hear anything about future tax reform, and there are concerns about the level of overall spending growth, such as increasing the local government fund at a time when rising property taxes are providing localities with plenty of tax dollars.”  

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