During the governor’s press conference yesterday, he discussed the fact that the COVID-19 public health emergency will impact state revenues. Through most of the state fiscal year the revenue has been above or at budgeted amounts and spending also tracked with budget estimates. The March numbers will likely see a decrease in revenue and that will continue into April as well.

To address this decrease in revenue the governor announced five measures to slow the rate of state spending. He asked that the administration freeze all hiring outside of specific need to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. He also froze all travel and contract services during this public health emergency. The governor asked his cabinet to find up to 20% in spending cuts, again some agencies will need to increase spending to aid Ohioans as Ohio fights the COVID-19 public health emergency, but the goal is for the administration to find as much savings as possible to slow the rate of spending. Finally, the governor said that the administration will pull non-essential Controlling Board requests. The Controlling Board meets to hear agency requests to spend monies not contemplated during the budget process. These requests may be for services, repairs, or acquisitions. For now, these requests will be pulled from the docket to help with the overall goal of slowing state spending during the COVID-19 public emergency.