Justin Pizzulli

With recovery housing in Ohio having grown nearly 400% since 2022, concerns have been raised regarding unsanitary conditions and overcrowding at many facilities. In response to these issues, Governor Mike DeWine signed an executive order giving the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health power to create a statewide certification program for operators. This effort aims to strengthen oversight and ensure better protection for individuals depending on recovery services.

A bipartisan bill proposing increased oversight for JobsOhio, Ohio's economic development agency, received its first hearing. The measure aims to subject JobsOhio to standard state audits and annual legislative testimony, addressing concerns about its lack of transparency as a private entity not covered by state sunshine laws.

Ohio lawmakers introduced legislation to increase transparency in the EdChoice voucher program, which provides taxpayer funds to private schools. The proposed bill would mandate audits, academic reporting, and background checks, but Republican leadership is unlikely to enforce stricter oversight. Public schools face underfunding while EdChoice received $2.5 billion in the last budget.