NOBLE Platform
A demonstrator holds a bullhorn at a rally
NOBLE has developed and approved a budget platform for the state of Ohio for 2026-2027. This document is the result of numerous meetings with both individuals and community level organizations. Issues focused on include public education, public transportation, human services, and a strong local government. Additional revenue streams are explored, such as the closing of tax loopholes and the income tax. Having a fair and equitable budget that will work for all Ohioans is of utmost importance as we continue to navigate a global pandemic. Policy makers must act with urgency to reflect the unique circumstances of the time. Our detailed platform is available below.
In order to hold our elected officials accountable, we have drafted a budget report card that grades the 2026-2027 Ohio state budget on revenue, Medicaid, education, child care, senior care and care for those with disabilities, food assistance, the local government fund, kinship care, housing, public transit, cash assistance and mental health and addiction treatment. A rubric is included to measure progress and areas in which Ohio falls short. The full report card is accessible below.
Below you can access previous versions of NOBLE’s Report Cards and Platforms.
Current Bipartisan Bills that NOBLE Supports
HB 318: Medicaid Estate Recovery Reform
Sponsors: Stephens and Brennan | Status: In House Medicaid Committee (3rd hearing 3/17/26)
This bill aims to add flexibility and compassion to the process of recouping Medicaid funds for long-term care services by restricting estate recovery actions.
● Recovery Limits: Prohibits recovery if costs are negligible or if administrative costs outweigh the total recovered amount.
● Lien Caps: Limits liens on real property to a maximum of 75% of the assessed value.
● Home Protections: Maintains waivers against recovery while a spouse, minor child, or disabled child resides in the home.
HB 257: Ohio Medical Debt Fairness Act
Sponsors: Grim and Schmidt | Status: 6th hearing in Ohio Health Committee (3/11/26)
This bill proposes significant consumer protection for patients facing medical debt.
● Interest Cap: Caps annual interest on medical debt at 3%.
● Reporting Ban: Prohibits reporting medical debt to credit agencies.
● Collection Protections: Bans wage garnishment for healthcare-related debts.
● Considerations: Concerns exist that this could lead to more aggressive non-wage asset collection (e.g., car repossessions).
HB 472: Homelessness Document & Fee Waiver Act
Sponsors: Cockley and Salvo | Status: Passed House (3/18/26); Now in Senate General Government Committee
HB 472 focuses on removing barriers for individuals experiencing homelessness by simplifying access to vital records.
● Fee Waivers: Eliminates costs for birth certificates, state IDs (under 17), and marriage/divorce/name change records (limited to one per year).
● Secure Storage: Allows approved shelters to securely store physical or digital copies of client ID documents with consent.
Please Note this bill was rewritten in the Senate to be a bill that required photo IDs to vote by mail. It passed but was vetoed by the Governor.
NOBLE Platform and Report Card Archive