Ohio has officially enacted its FY 2026–2027 state budget, and the investment in developmental disabilities services marks a historic milestone. Governor Mike DeWine’s signing of House Bill 96 establishes a two-year funding plan that not only maintains Ohio’s leadership in disability services but elevates it to one of the highest-funded DD systems in the nation.
For Fiscal Year 2026, Ohio will invest $5.5 billion, followed by $5.75 billion in Fiscal Year 2027. This represents a 5–6% increase over the previous biennium—an exceptional rise for a mature statewide system—and stands as the largest developmental disabilities budget in Ohio’s history. The scale of this investment places Ohio alongside only a few states with comparable DD system funding, including California, New York, and Texas, and positions Ohio as a national leader in per‑capita DD spending.
A significant portion of this growth continues Ohio’s commitment to strengthening the direct support professional (DSP) workforce. Recent wage investments have moved Ohio into the top tier nationally for DSP compensation, helping stabilize the workforce that families and providers rely on every day. Much of the DD budget is driven by Medicaid, with state General Revenue Funds (GRF) supplying the required match that allows Ohio to draw down billions in federal support. This blend of funding ensures long-term sustainability and continued expansion of services.
For county boards of developmental disabilities, this historic budget brings meaningful impact. Increased funding supports:
Expanded waiver capacity and enrollment opportunities
Stronger DSP pipelines through competitive wages
Enhanced technology-first service options
Greater support for youth with complex needs
More stable levy-to-Medicaid match protection
Ohio’s FY 2026–2027 DD budget reflects a clear and continued priority: building a system that leads nationally, supports its workforce, and expands opportunities for independence, inclusion, and long-term stability.
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