In a new policy memo, The Buckeye Institute cautioned lawmakers to preserve fiscal flexibility in this year’s capital budget so the state can address long-term funding obligations and federal cost-shifting for social welfare programs like SNAP and Medicaid. The memo echoed concerns raised in a piece in The Hill, which highlighted the uncertainty states face regarding “federal cost-sharing changes for SNAP and stricter federal scrutiny of welfare spending and fraud, and rising long-term care and Medicaid obligations.”

The Buckeye Institute testified before the Ohio House Development Committee on the policies in Ohio House Bill 161, which, if adopted, will impose new taxes on homeowners who rent their homes for short-term stays. House Bill 161, which extends Ohio’s lodging tax to short-term rentals, is a “misguided move that undermines private property rights and costs families supplemental income when they need it most.”

The Buckeye Institute testified before the Ohio House Local Government Committee on the policies in Ohio House Bill 361, which, if adopted, will cut government red tape that slows construction projects, limits housing supply, and increases the cost of a home. By requiring local building departments to complete building plan reviews and inspections within 30 days of a request, House Bill 361 “creates a transparent and fair expectation for government timeliness.”

As the Ohio Supreme Court prepares to hear Columbus v. Ohio—a case challenging Ohio’s preemption power—The Buckeye Institute released its most recent policy brief, Striking a Balance: Local Governance, Individual Rights & Economic Growth, which makes the case for a predictable and uniform regulatory environment across the state that supports pro-growth activities and respects constitutional rights. “State preemption is a necessary tool to protect fundamental rights, promote economic opportunity, and ensure regulatory clarity.”

The Buckeye Institute testified before the Ohio Senate Education Committee on the policies in Ohio Senate Bill 328, which will help Ohio’s students build pathways to successful careers. In his testimony, Greg R. Lawson, a senior research fellow at The Buckeye Institute, noted that Ohio “finds itself playing a meaningful role at the center of technological transformation,” but that “economic development announcements and press releases do not guarantee prosperity.”

The Buckeye Institute testified before the Ohio House Technology and Innovation Committee on the policies in Ohio House Bill 646, a “timely and commendable initiative” that creates a Data Center Study Commission to assess the impact of data centers in Ohio. In the testimony, Buckeye noted a Data Center Study Commission could “help dispel inaccurate myths, better inform communities about data center benefits, including job creation and tax revenue.”

The Buckeye Institute submitted a public comment to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services offering its recommendations on how the state can better align its workforce, education, and employment programs. Buckeye urged policymakers to enhance financial stability and economic mobility for Ohio families, offer clear paths to high-demand careers, and ensure a reliable road to self-sufficiency, with every promotion signifying real financial progress.

The Buckeye Institute submitted written testimony to the Columbus City Council on its proposed rental registry ordinance, which will “raise housing costs for Columbus renters.” In his testimony, Greg R. Lawson, a senior research fellow at The Buckeye Institute, noted that while “improving housing conditions and safety is laudable and understandable,” the “proposed ordinance will be more harmful than beneficial.”

The Buckeye Institute testified before the Ohio Senate Energy Committee on the policies in Ohio Senate Bill 294, which, combined with other recent energy policy reforms, will make Ohio a “national energy policy leader.” In his testimony, Greg R. Lawson, a senior research fellow at The Buckeye Institute, noted that Senate Bill 294 “furthers the state’s effort to supply low-cost, reliable electricity.”

In The Lima News, The Buckeye Institute outlines the household debt crisis facing millions of Americans. “The average Ohio household now carries more than $9,000 in credit card debt alone, and delinquency is increasing,” warns The Buckeye Institute. “Professional debt settlement may offer some borrowers a third way to reduce balances with creditors and avoid disruptive bankruptcy, but Ohio’s outdated debt-settlement laws restrict that option and should be revised.”