COLUMBUS—State Senators Michael Rulli (R-Salem) and Stephanie Kunze(R-Hilliard) today stood before the Senate Finance Committee to give sponsor testimony on Senate Bill 4, which includes provisions that would add an additional $100 million in general obligation bonds through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) for the renovation and construction of safe school buildings across Ohio.

"Having a healthy and safe learning environment is one of the most basic necessities for students to thrive and grow into productive members of our community," said Rulli. "I urge my colleagues in both the Senate and the House to act swiftly so we can get this money to where it is needed most—Ohio's schools."

This new infusion will enable OFCC to serve more districts. All of the money that was provided in last capital bill has been committed. This money now will enable OFCC to continue to move up the equity list and help more schools now before the capital bill next year.

The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission administers several programs that provide state assistance to school districts and other public schools in constructing classroom facilities.

For example, the Classroom Facilities Assistance Program is designed to provide each city, exempted village, and local school district with partial funding to address the district’s classroom facilities needs.