đź’° Lawmakers Signal Support to Restore H2Ohio Budget
Ohio Senate leaders are signaling early support to restore funding for the H2Ohio program, which faced a $120 million cut in the House-passed version of the state budget (HB96). In testimony before the Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee, agency leaders stressed the importance of maintaining momentum in water quality improvements.
Sen. Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster) expressed intent to find a “sweet spot” for restoring H2Ohio funds, noting broad support from farmers, environmental agencies, and fellow legislators. ODNR, OEPA, ODA, and the Lake Erie Commission all testified on the critical work that could be lost if funding falls short — including projects to reduce algal blooms, expand water access, and protect 2.2 million acres of farmland.