Voters in Ohio will decide on a $2.5-billion bond measure at a special election on May 6, 2025. The general obligation bond, limited to $250 million per year over 10 years, would fund the State Capital Improvement Program (SCIP) through the Ohio Public Works Commission. SCIP provides local governments with grants, loans, loan assistance, and local debt support for public infrastructure projects, such as roads and bridges, sewer and stormwater systems, and waste facilities.
Since 1987, voters have approved four bond measures to provide funding for SCIP. In 1987, voters approved a constitutional amendment, titled Issue 2, that allowed the state to issue $1.2 billion in general obligation bonds over 10 years, limited to $120 million per year, to assist local governments in funding public infrastructure projects. The state legislature created the State Capital Improvement Program (SCIP) to administer the general obligation bonds.
Since Issue 2 allowed general obligation bonds to be issued over 10 years, no additional bonds would be available after that time. In 1995, the Ohio State Legislature approved a resolution for a constitutional amendment, also titled Issue 2, asking voters to approve a new $1.2 billion general obligation bond for SCIP, as well as another bond for state highways. Voters approved Issue 2 of 1995.
Voters approved additional general obligation bonds to renew funding for SCIP in 2005 and 2014. In 2005, voters approved Issue 1, which issued $1.35 billion for SCIP, along with other bonds. In 2014, voters approved another constitutional amendment titled Issue 1, which issued $1.875 billion for SCIP over 10 years.
The ballot measure slated for May 6, 2025, was introduced into the legislature as House Joint Resolution 8 (HJR 8) on Nov. 12, 2024. Reps. Scott Oelslager (R-48) and Daniel Troy (D-23) were the lead sponsors.
In Ohio, a 60% vote in each legislative chamber is required to refer a constitutional amendment to the ballot. On Dec. 4, the Ohio House of Representatives voted 87-4 to pass the amendment. The four legislators who voted against the amendment were Republicans. On Dec. 18, the Ohio State Senate voted 30-1 to pass the amendment. The one legislator who voted against the amendment was Republican Sen. Niraj Antani (R-6).
State Sen. Brian Chavez (R-30), who voted for the amendment, said, “This program has proven over decades to be a crucial resource for municipalities across the state and especially in rural areas. I have heard from many local officials whose counties have benefited from these funds for the improvement of roads, bridges, and more in their communities. Necessary infrastructure projects simply could not be undertaken without this funding source.”
State Sen. Niraj Antani (R-6), who voted against the amendment, said, “The General Assembly’s thirst to spend taxpayer dollars is seemingly unquenchable. This bill would authorize more spending, which I believe is unsustainable for Ohio’s future.”
From 1912 to 2023, the Ohio State Legislature has referred 156 constitutional amendments to the ballot. Voters approved 107 (68.6%) and rejected 49 (31.4%).
The ballot measure is the fifth state measure certified for an election in 2025. On March 29, voters in Louisiana will decide on four ballot measures.
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