State Representative Mark Romanchuk (R-Ontario) applauded the Ohio House’s passage of House Bill 497—the state’s capital budget bill—which appropriates funding for several local projects within Richland County.
A total of $1 million was appropriated to support a 46,000 square-foot College of Nursing for Ashland University. In addition, $500,000 will be invested in the MEDAL Talent Innovation Network, which is located in downtown Mansfield, to educate, develop, and train students in the skills necessary to grow the local economy.
The funding for Ashland University and the MEDAL Talent Innovation Network was requested by Rep. Romanchuk on behalf of the residents of Richland County.
“By supporting these important workforce development initiatives, people will be trained for the jobs of the future and positions will be filled in Richland County,” Rep. Romanchuk said.
The capital budget focuses on the most pressing needs of state government, schools, economic development, and local culture and recreation within Ohio’s communities. It is a collaborative process involving state and local leaders, the economic development community, the arts community, and others to provide guidance on local investments, while balancing the state’s need for fiscal restraint and responsibility.
It passed by a vote of 89-2 in the House and now awaits consideration by the Ohio Senate.