The Catholic Bishops of Ohio met with Ohio legislative leaders, including Gov. Mike DeWine, state senators and state representatives last week to discuss legislative priorities for the 136th General Assembly.
Cleveland Bishop Edward Malesic was among those who met with the state officials
Discussion topics included first-of-its-kind legislation to prohibit state-funded death in Ohio (HB 72 and SB 134), advocacy to retain Gov. DeWine’s proposed Child Tax Credit and help for mothers-in-need through supporting maternity homes in the state budget.
The two-year biennial state budget, which covers the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027, passed the Ohio House on April 9 with a 60-39 vote. Hearings are under way in the Senate. A final version of the bill is due in the governor's office by June 30 for his signature.
The bishops expressed gratitude for EdChoice scholarships that assist families with tuition costs and they requested additional support to help chartered nonpublic schools serve students who are disadvantaged through family income and for students with special needs.