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Providers and families push for ongoing rate increases and waiver stability in HB 96
Summary
A broad panel of county boards, providers, DSPs and family members told the House Health Committee that previous budget increases reduced vacancies and turnover but warned HB 96 lacks a mechanism for regular pay adjustments for direct support professionals and waiver providers; panelists provided multi‑year funding estimates for proposed increases.
A coalition of county boards, providers and family members pushed the House Health Committee to preserve and expand funding for Ohio’s developmental disabilities system as the legislature considers HB 96.
Dan Ottke, superintendent of the Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities, told the committee the system needs continued state investment to keep services stable and avoid placing the funding burden on local property taxpayers. When Representative Baker asked for an estimate of costs tied to proposed percentage increases, Ottke later supplied figures: “all funds, $67,300,000 in fiscal year ’26 and $184,000,000 in fiscal year ’27,” and from the state General Revenue Fund, “$24,200,000 in fiscal year 2026, and $66,400,000 in fiscal year 27,” he said.
Providers and CEOs—from RT Industries, Independence of Portage County, Empowering People, Capabilities, and others—described measurable workforce gains after the prior budget’s wage investments: lower vacancies, reduced turnover and higher average DSP wages. Ashley Brocious, CEO of RT Industries, said her organization cut vacancies to zero and raised its DSP average to $20.97 per hour; Carrie Furman, a direct support professional, described how the pay increase allowed her to afford reliable transportation and save for retirement and asked the committee to include rate increases for waiver settings.
Other witnesses warned of remaining gaps. Dan Connors of St. Joseph Home said inflation and growing acuity require not only higher base rates but a pay matrix that rewards specialized training and skills; Jan Marie Sowers and others urged clarity on training, licensing and how add‑ons or caps apply across waiver types.
Committee members asked for specific language and deadlines. Chris Murray (Academy of Senior Health Sciences) said stakeholders are still drafting regulatory language on ownership and reimbursement structures and asked panels to collaborate before the amendment deadline.
The informal hearing produced no committee vote. Witnesses asked the committee to consider amendments to HB 96 that would establish recurring mechanisms for rate adjustments and targeted investments in technology, multisystem youth, and ICF supports.
