Toledo Reporter

State Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson from Toledo, recently voted against House Bill 27, a higher-education bill that was amended at the last minute to allocate over $1 billion in capital budget dollars. Hicks-Hudson expressed her concerns regarding the bill, highlighting the lack of proper deliberation and transparency in the process.

“The H.B. 27 capital budget amendment passed yesterday sets a dangerous precedent of allocating dollars with no real opportunity for proper deliberation,” said Hicks-Hudson. She emphasized that the bill did not undergo public input or committee discussion in the Senate Finance Committee, which she believes is essential for any legislation appropriating funds.

Hicks-Hudson further criticized the amendment, stating, "This piecemeal amendment allocates billions of dollars in appropriations without committee hearings, input from our constituents, and thorough oversight." Despite acknowledging the importance of the projects and appropriations, she condemned any circumvention of legislative procedures that ensure transparent and democratic lawmaking.

The floor amendment included in the bill allocated new capital and GRF appropriations for various commissions and programs, including the Facilities Construction Commission, the Public Works Commission, the Expositions Commission, and the Adoption Grant Program.