The Ohio House has passed a bill, SB51, full of projects the lawmakers wanted approved before the end of the year. The so-called “Christmas Tree” bill, includes millions of dollars for different repairs and developments.
The Senate bill was originally crafted to help fund improvement projects along the Lake Erie shoreline. But amendments added by the House include $15 million for the new Columbus Crew soccer stadium and $2 million for upgrades and repairs to the Governor’s residence.
Rep. Niraj Antani (R-Miamisburg) voiced strong concerns against $20 million for the Statehouse parking garage, since it charges people to park already.
“So my curiosity is why are the taxpayers being double taxed here,” says Antani.
The Statehouse grounds operating agency, CSRAB, says the garage reserve funds are not enough to cover needed repairs.
The bill now goes back to the Senate for a concurrence vote.
