As reported elsewhere in this Leadership Briefing, the Senate this week approved its version of the state’s two-year operating budget (House Bill 110). Included in the budget is funding for Ohio’s network of industry sector partnerships (ISP), which are critical to Ohio’s manufacturing workforce development. While the Senate budget retains the House-approved level of $5 million (over two years) for ISP grants, the current version of the bill includes two earmarks to this competitively awarded grant program. The OMA has repeatedly testified that earmarks compromise the purpose and structure of the program and should not be included. OMA staff will continue to work with the House, Senate, and governor to protect the integrity of the program’s line item as HB 110 now moves to conference committee, where Senate and House leaders will hash out the differences. 6/10/2021