ABC's and 123's:

After months of negotiations and revisions, Ohio has officially passed its Fiscal Year 2026-2027 state budget. Governor Mike DeWine signed the final version into law on June 30. Here’s a look at how this budget impacts children, families, and early care professionals in central Ohio — and what it means for Action for Children’s work ahead.

Child Care Access and Funding Updates

One of the most closely watched issues was child care eligibility and funding. The new budget keeps eligibility for Publicly Funded Child Care at 145% of the federal poverty level. While an increase to 160% was initially proposed, it was removed during negotiations.

Still, there’s good news for many families. The state approved $200 million for the Child Care Choice Voucher Program, which helps families earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level afford child care. This expansion is expected to help thousands of additional families access care.

Investments in the Child Care Workforce

The budget includes new investments to strengthen Ohio’s child care workforce. Grants will be available through the Ohio Department of Children and Youth to recruit and mentor licensed child care providers.

Another notable addition is the new Child Care Cred Program. Employers can voluntarily cover 40% of their employees’ child care costs, with the state covering an additional 20%. Employees would be responsible for the remaining balance—offering a creative new option for affordable care through employer partnerships.

Maternal and Infant Health Funding

The budget also makes key investments in maternal and infant health:

• $18 million for infant vitality efforts (an increase from nearly $17 million in the previous cycle).
• $10 million for the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant, which supports programs for women of childbearing age, infants, and children.
• Expanded funding for infant home visiting services, reaching 10,000 more families.

What Didn’t Make the Final Budget

Some proposed initiatives were ultimately cut, including:

• The proposed Child Tax Credit that would have provided an additional $1,000 per child under age 6.
• Several other funding increases suggested by Governor DeWine were reduced or eliminated during negotiations.

What’s Next for Ohio Families

While this may seem like a loss in certain areas, many areas still saw increases compared to the previous budget. It may not be as much as many may like, but progress is progress, and in such a contentious and rocky political climate, any additional funding for children and their families is a win.

Ultimately, this budget reflects both the challenges and the possibilities of policymaking in Ohio. As we move forward, Action for Children remains committed to advocating for the needs of children and families—and to ensuring that every dollar invested helps build a stronger, more equitable future.

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Author: Shea McHugh, Advocacy Associate at Action for Children

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About Action for Children: Action for Children is the local child care resource and referral agency for central Ohio, and is committed to assuring quality early learning experiences for all children. Our services focus on transforming the lives of children by supporting the everyday heroes who most influence our children’s early growth; care givers, educators, parents, and guardians. Learn More.