Ohio Governor DeWine Signs Controversial Budget Altering Library Funding, Enforcing Quota Ban, Restricting Transgender Rights

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed the state budget into law, making significant changes to public library funding by removing the guaranteed funding formula and replacing it with discretionary appropriations, leading to an estimated $25 million cut for libraries amid rising demand. Despite these cuts, DeWine vetoed a provision that would have required libraries to isolate materials deemed inappropriate for children, a move welcomed by local library directors. Additionally, DeWine signed Senate Bill 114, which prohibits law enforcement agencies from using quotas for arrests and citations, while allowing data collection to ensure compliance with legal obligations and mandating investigations into reported quota use. The budget also codifies a state policy recognizing only two sexes, male and female, and includes measures restricting transgender healthcare funding and restroom policies, though DeWine vetoed provisions that would have cut funding to youth homeless shelters supporting transgender youth. These actions reflect DeWine's complex approach to budgetary decisions, balancing fiscal constraints, public service impacts, and social policy.