(Toledo, OH) The new state budget is impacting lead safety efforts in Toledo.
The two-year spending plan passed Wednesday by the Ohio General Assembly earmarks up to $150,000 per year for grants dealing with lead abatement, containment and housing rehab projects, which must be matched with local dollars.
The Senate nixed language in the budget that puts the Ohio Department of Health completely in charge of lead abatement, instead allowing the city of Toledo to enforce its own ordinance.
But state representative Derek Merrin plans to introduce the legislation again separately, saying he's trying to protect people in urban, rural, and suburban areas of Ohio. The Monclova Republican has been at odds with Toledo's mayor over lead issues.