Ohio lawmakers have launched the FY27–28 capital budget process, with plans to pass a brick-and-mortar spending bill by June — even as the state works to determine how much it owes nursing facilities following the Ohio Supreme Court’s ruling on withheld quality incentive payments.
Senate Finance Chair Senator Jerry Cirino (R-Kirtland) this week acknowledged that resolving the state’s liability to nursing homes remains a key fiscal variable as lawmakers determine the size of the capital bill. While revenue collections have continued to exceed budget expectations, legislative leaders say they are awaiting greater clarity on the nursing facility payments and other budget risks before setting final spending levels.
At the same time, the capital budget process presents an opportunity for community-based organizations across the state. Community project requests are due to legislators by March 12, with lawmakers submitting final lists later in March. Providers interested in community-based partnerships may wish to engage local legislators now, as projects must be submitted through a sponsoring lawmaker. Applicants must be a government entity or a non-profit organization, and funding requests must be related to capital improvements, such as construction, acquisition, and infrastructure. Projects should have a state nexus, or relevant to the state's interests. Nonprofit applicants will need to bond their requests to a state agency.
Although fiscal caution will shape this year’s bill, leaders in both chambers have confirmed they intend to move forward — making the coming weeks an important window for providers to collaborate locally and position priority projects for consideration.