Urge Congress to implement a zero-based budgeting process

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Dovilla

Ohio urges Congress to adopt zero-based budgeting for federal spending, requiring agencies to justify all programs from a zero base.

Adopted

#nationalorinternationalresolution

Overview

House Concurrent Resolution 32 (HCR 32), introduced in the 136th Ohio General Assembly, urges Congress to implement a zero-based budgeting process. The resolution is a proposal directed at the federal level rather than creating new law within Ohio. It signals legislative support for adopting zero-based budgeting (ZBB) principles in federal appropriations.

Main purpose and intent

Expresses a formal request to the United States Congress to adopt or implement zero-based budgeting for federal appropriations and spending.

Indicates the Ohio General Assembly’s support for a budgeting methodology that starts from a "zero base" each fiscal period and requires agencies to justify all expenses, rather than adjusting previous spending levels incrementally.

Key provisions and changes

Provisions are introductory and symbolic in nature, reflecting the stance of Ohio’s legislature rather than imposing direct state-level budgetary reforms.

As a concurrent resolution, it does not create spending authority or establish Ohio-specific budgeting requirements.

The resolution cites the principle of ZBB as a mechanism to improve fiscal discipline, prioritization, and accountability in federal budgeting.

Who/what would be affected

Federal level: The primary intended beneficiary is the federal budgeting process in Congress and the executive branch, as the resolution urges adoption of ZBB principles there.

State level: No immediate changes to Ohio law or state budgeting processes are proposed; the resolution operates as a sentiment or policy statement by the Ohio General Assembly.

Stakeholders: Federal policymakers, fiscal watchdog groups, and taxpayers may use the resolution to advocate for or analyze the feasibility and implications of ZBB in federal spending.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Action history: Introduced and referred to Committee on February 4, 2026.

Sponsor: Co-sponsored by Mike Dovilla.

As a concurrent resolution, it would typically proceed through the legislative process in both the Ohio House of Representatives and Senate, potentially passing without causing budgetary enactments or state fiscal impact unless accompanied by further legislation.

No specific implementation timeline is attached to the resolution; it serves to express legislative support and encourage federal action.

Potential impact

Political/commercial impact: Signals Ohio’s interest in evaluating and advocating for zero-based budgeting at the federal level, which could influence federal budget reform discussions among policymakers and interest groups.

Fiscal impact on Ohio: Minimal to none in the short term, since the resolution does not authorize expenditures or alter state budgeting.

Long-term implications: If federal adoption of ZBB were pursued, it could reshape federal program budgeting, require agency-level justification of all programs, and potentially affect program funding levels and efficiency assessments.

Note: This summary reflects the text and typical consequences of a concurrent resolution advocating a national budgeting approach. It does not alter existing Ohio law or authorize new state expenditures.