This week, the Ohio House of Representatives is set to weigh in on Governor Kasich’s plan to borrow against future Turnpike tolls to fund ODOT’s statewide road construction program. House Bill 51 lays out the details of the Governor’s plans, many of which hardly resemble the promises made by the administration when they initially unveiled their plans for the roadway.
Compared to the plan unveiled by the Kasich administration in December, some important elements of the legislation look very different:
For the first time in the roadway’s history, Turnpike revenue can be spent in other parts of the state
The bill contains no requirement that 90 percent — or any proportion — of the proceeds of bonds are spent in northern Ohio
There are no limits on how much tolls can be raised in the future
Read our full analysis of HB 51.
The House Finance Committee is set to hear public testimony on Tuesday, followed by a vote on Wednesday. Look up committee schedules and contact members here.