The Ohio State Senate passed the state budget June 18, 2015 less the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) provision that would require manufactured home communities (MHCs) to escrow 15 percent of the cost of a replacement water system, though not to exceed $250,000. It would have also allowed rental income to be seized in special circumstances, according to what the Ohio Manufactured Homes Association (OMHA) tells MHProNews.

Tim Williams, Executive Director of OMHA, testified for the removal of the objectionable EPA language before the state’s Senate Finance Committee May 12, 2015, as well as on March 26, 2015 before the state’s House Finance Committee.

While the House voted to remove the language during passage of the state budget bill, the Senate/House Conference Committee is reconciling the budget before it goes to Gov. Kasich for his signature.

Williams said there are several barriers to get around before legislators vote on the final budget bill. Amendments can be added during the conference committee negotiations, and the state EPA continues to lobby to have its original language reinserted, although they were previously unsuccessful in the House and Senate. ##

(Photo credit: Ohio Manufactured Homes Association Exec.Dr. Tim Williams)

Article submitted by Matthew J. Silver to Daily Business News-MHProNews.