Ohio Secures Rural Health Care Funding Through One Big Beautiful Bill |
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Ohio's rural communities will land significant federal funding through the newly enacted Rural Health Care Fund, part of the One Big Beautiful Bill. The $50 billion fund targets workforce stability, broadband connectivity, capital improvements and more for rural hospitals and clinics—addressing critical gaps that have plagued rural areas for decades. Funds will be deployed over a five-year period; Ohio is expected to receive at least $500 million and may get up to $1.3 billion in total, according to federal officials. Senators Jon Husted and Bernie Moreno as well as other Ohio Congressional members championed the state’s interests during negotiations. Their bipartisan advocacy underscores how rural health care access directly drives economic stability and community wellbeing across Ohio. The fund promises Ohio providers: - Workforce development support to recruit and retain medical professionals in rural areas
- Broadband upgrades enabling robust telemedicine capabilities in remote regions
- Targeted facility investments for community health centers and rural hospitals
All states must submit applications for funding by December 31, 2025. Implementation details from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services are expected within weeks, clarifying allocation formulas, eligibility requirements, and distribution timelines. Ohio providers should act now to position themselves for this funding opportunity: - Engage state partners like Governor DeWine, Ohio Medicaid, Ohio Department of Health, and professional associations for coordinated advocacy
- Evaluate infrastructure needs in broadband, telehealth, and facilities to align with anticipated funding categories
- Connect with congressional offices for federal guidance updates and ensure Ohio priorities remain visible in CMS implementation
- Develop partnerships with local/regional partners within those health care networks as well as community organizations to strengthen grant applications
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 Rural health care has been a persistent challenge for Ohio, with provider shortages and infrastructure gaps limiting access to quality care. The Rural Health Care Fund represents a pivotal opportunity to modernize Ohio's rural health infrastructure and close care gaps that affect thousands of families. Expect fierce competition for these dollars—providers who prepare early will have the best chance of securing transformational investments. |
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| Governor's Property Tax Group Faces Legislative Skepticism |
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Ohio homeowners facing steep property tax increases may not get relief from Governor DeWine's working group as lawmakers advance their own solutions ahead of any formal recommendations. The working group is expected to release its findings later this month, but legislative leaders are signaling their intent to pursue overrides of Gov. DeWine’s previous line-item vetoes on tax issues and move forward independently. Multiple bills (including, but limited to: HB 186, HB 365, SB 136, SB 206, HB 129, and HB 420) have been introduced seeking to cap assessment increases, provide refunds, freeze valuations for seniors, or restructure how school funding intersects with property taxes. The tension reflects familiar dynamics between methodical commission work and legislative urgency, particularly with property owners experiencing significant tax burdens across Ohio communities. All this comes as a potential statewide issue eliminating all property taxes could be on the 2026 ballot. Property taxes generate approximately $20 billion annually for schools, local governments, and other services. Eliminating this revenue source could create havoc in Ohio’s tax system. |
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 The Governor’s property tax group's influence depends entirely on delivering actionable recommendations before lawmakers lose patience and move forward. Legislators contend they have already fully studied property tax reform and are ready to act when they return to the Statehouse this month. |
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$50 Million War Chest to Recruit STEM Talent |
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Ohio will spend serious money to attract national STEM talent. The state's new Relocation Incentive Program through JobsOhio offers $15,000 per out-of-state hire in high-demand technical roles, with a goal of attracting 3,000 new workers to ease workforce pressures. Key Program Details: - $15,000 per qualifying hire relocated from out-of-state into priority STEM roles
- Up to $225,000 per employer across 15 hires; funds awarded first-come, first-served
- All company sizes eligible with targeted set-asides for access
Eligibility Requirements: - Companies must operate in Ohio within one of JobsOhio's 10 priority industries
- Roles must align with published priority occupations: software developers, CNC programmers, biochemists, electricians
- Funds apply only to net-new hiring above historical baseline, no internal moves or affiliate transfers
Program Flexibility: - Use funds for relocation costs, signing bonuses, or recruitment marketing, whatever drives hires
- No retention period required; payouts come once residency and employment established
Application Process: - Report 3-year history of out-of-state hiring to establish baseline
- Apply online in single session
- Execute standard agreement if approved
- Request payments as hires are made and residency established
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 Ohio's move reflects a growing trend of state-backed talent incentives as economic development strategy. For employers competing nationally for STEM and skilled workers, the takeaway is clear: this program can sharpen your edge, but timing matters. Early applicants will have the most room to maneuver before the $50 million runs dry. |
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Our Grant Alert list is updated! Review the list of ongoing grant opportunities, click the link below. |
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