County boards in Ohio are raising alarms over proposed changes to substitute House Bill 96, which they argue could jeopardize essential services for over 107,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The bill grants county budget commissions broad authority to reduce voter-approved tax levies, a move that advocates say lacks clear guidelines and could lead to arbitrary funding cuts.

During a recent Ohio Senate Finance Committee meeting, representatives expressed concerns that the vague language in the bill—terms like "reasonably necessary" and "prudent"—could undermine the financial stability of developmental disability services. These services rely heavily on local property taxes, which currently fund about half of the state's Medicaid match for these individuals. The estimated contribution from county boards is projected to rise from $567 million in fiscal year 2025 to $628 million in 2026.

Advocates are urging lawmakers to adopt amendment SC 2,924 to remove the contentious language from the budget, emphasizing the need for input from families and service providers in the legislative process. They argue that without this amendment, the long-term support for individuals with developmental disabilities could be at risk, forcing the state to fill any funding gaps left by local cuts.

The Ohio Association of County Boards (OACB) is also advocating for a compromise amendment that would exempt local entities from the proposed funding restrictions, ensuring that voter-approved funds continue to support necessary services. As discussions continue, the urgency for a resolution remains high, with advocates eager to protect the vital resources that support Ohio's most vulnerable populations.