The 136th General Assembly Kicks Off |
|
|---|
|
 |
The 136th General Assembly convened yesterday, as newly elected representatives and senators took their oaths of office. Following ceremonial proceedings, both chambers will hold separate retreats in the coming weeks to establish priorities for the year. The biennial state budget will dominate early legislative action. Governor DeWine is expected to unveil his final two-year operating budget proposal by early February. The House will take the lead in budget deliberations with the Senate expected to receive the House-passed budget in the Spring. Key budget considerations include: - Education funding and expansion of school choice scholarships
- Behavioral health, healthcare and substance abuse disorder spending items
- Workforce development initiatives
Other legislative priorities for 2025 are expected to include a comprehensive energy policy (see below), property tax relief, possible reductions in state income tax rates and municipal tax reform, and ongoing oversight of cost containment issues within Medicaid spending. |
|
|---|
|
 While the budget process commands immediate attention, tax and energy policy changes could shape Ohio's economic trajectory for years. |
|
|---|
|
Major Energy Policy Changes Expected as 2025 Session Begins |
|
|---|
|
Ohio legislative leaders are developing a comprehensive energy policy overhaul expected to address surging demand and grid reliability concerns. Newly elected House Speaker Matt Huffman and new Senate President Rob McColley have been working on plans for months, though specific details remain closely held. The leaders have indicated the plan will focus on expanding energy generation capacity to meet growing industrial demands from data centers. The legislation's development has already impacted other energy bills. Two measures - one allowing solar projects on brownfields and another reinstating energy efficiency programs - were blocked in December, reportedly to protect the broader 2025 initiative. Industry observers speculate the package could include: - Natural gas expansion under "reliability" provisions
- Permitting reforms to speed new generation to market
- New rules for data center power generation
The timing remains uncertain, though passage could come through the state budget process by mid-year. This will mark Ohio's first major energy legislation since the controversial HB 6 in 2019, which led to multiple corruption convictions. |
|
|---|
|
 With massive new industrial power demands looming and limited base-load generation in the regional energy cue, Ohio faces mounting pressure to reform its energy policies. Despite the lingering shadow of HB6, legislative leaders appear determined to move forward, viewing energy capacity as critical to Ohio's economic future. |
|
|---|
|
Hicks Partners Welcomes Savannah Allen as Director of Economic Development & Grants |
|
|---|
|
Hicks Partners is proud to welcome Savannah Allen as our new Director of Economic Development & Grants. In this role, Allen will lead initiatives within the firm’s expanding national economic development and site selection practices, managing strategic client relationships, and driving grant initiatives that support community and business growth. Allen brings a wealth of experience in economic development, project management, and community-focused strategies. Her career includes designing and implementing impactful programs that enhance local economies and administering large-scale grant efforts to benefit both urban and rural areas. Before joining Hicks Partners, Allen played key roles in strengthening workforce initiatives and securing resources for growth projects in Union County and Marysville, Ohio. Her earlier work in Chicago focused on supporting small businesses through grant programs, delivering resources to underserved communities. |
|
|---|
|
 The addition of Savannah Allen underscores Hicks Partners’ dedication to enhancing its services and expertise in economic development and grant writing. Her broad perspective and deep understanding of grant administration will strengthen efforts to support clients and communities, fostering opportunities for growth in an increasingly competitive environment. |
|
|---|
|
College Technology Internship Program Opens |
|
|---|
|
Ohio's College Technology Internship Program is open and offering to reimburse companies for summer 2025 interns. The initiative connects Ohio businesses with talented college students for paid internships in technology-related fields. Key program details: - Companies are reimbursed for up to two-thirds of intern wages, up to $7,500 per intern.
- Minimum wage for interns is $15/hour.
- Companies can hire up to 10 interns.
- Open to technology companies or those with technological needs
- Students can study in any area, from STEM to business, communications, marketing, and design.
For companies, the program offers access to diverse young talent to work on cutting-edge projects. Businesses must provide meaningful experiences, non-residential workspaces, and employ interns as W-2 employees. |
|
|---|
|
Our Grant Alert list is updated! Review the list of ongoing grant opportunities here: |
|
|---|
|
|
