County boards in Ohio are raising alarms over proposed changes to Substitute House Bill 96 that could jeopardize funding for over 107,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. During a recent meeting of the Ohio Senate Finance Committee, concerns were voiced about vague language in the bill that grants county budget commissions the authority to reduce voter-approved tax levies, potentially undermining essential services.

The contentious section of the bill allows budget commissions to make arbitrary decisions on property tax collections based on subjective terms like "reasonably necessary" and "prudent." Critics argue this could lead to misinterpretation and threaten the long-term stability of the developmental disabilities system in Ohio. The reserves established by the Ohio General Assembly, which are crucial for ensuring lifetime support for individuals with disabilities, could be at risk.

County boards currently contribute significantly to the state's Medicaid match for these services, with projections indicating a rise from $567 million in fiscal year 2025 to $690 million by 2027. Any limitations on funding sources could force the state to fill the gap left by local contributions, potentially jeopardizing vital services.

Advocates are calling for the removal of the problematic language from the budget and have proposed an amendment to exempt local entities from the new provisions. They emphasize the need for input from individuals with disabilities and their families in the legislative process to find better solutions.

As discussions continue, the urgency for a resolution grows, with stakeholders eager to ensure that the necessary supports for Ohio's most vulnerable populations remain intact.