The Ohio Senate Finance Committee convened on June 6, 2025, to discuss critical funding issues impacting education and mental health services in the state. The meeting featured testimonies from representatives of the National Inventors Hall of Fame and Netcare Corporation, highlighting the urgent need for financial support in their respective areas.

Marissa Metz, representing the National Inventors Hall of Fame, urged the committee to restore a $250,000 appropriation for the Camp Invention program, which provides STEM education to young students. Metz emphasized the program's significant impact, noting that it reached over 120,000 students nationwide last year, including 14,000 from Ohio. She expressed concern that the removal of state funding could jeopardize the program's ability to serve low-income students and maintain its educational offerings. Metz proposed a revised funding request that includes a requirement for the Hall of Fame to match state funds, demonstrating their commitment to enhancing STEM education in Ohio.

Following Metz, Bridal Stroh, CEO of Netcare Corporation, addressed the committee regarding the need for increased funding for Ohio's behavioral health crisis system. Stroh highlighted the importance of providing appropriate mental health responses rather than relying on law enforcement during crises. He pointed out that the House had significantly reduced funding for the 90-day suicide and crisis lifeline, despite an anticipated increase in call volume. Stroh provided data showing that the majority of contacts with Netcare's crisis services effectively de-escalated situations without requiring emergency services, underscoring the cost-effectiveness and necessity of such programs.

The testimonies underscored the critical need for state support in both educational and mental health initiatives, with advocates calling for restored funding to ensure continued access to essential services for Ohio's youth and vulnerable populations. The committee's decisions in the coming weeks will be pivotal in shaping the future of these programs.