COLUMBUS, Ohio-Ohio’s recent allocation of taxpayer funds has sparked controversy as some of the $717 million budget surplus is directed to private religious schools, raising questions about the role of public funds in education. This funding was intended for “one-time community investment funds” aimed at local job creation and revenue boosting, with projects ranging from public facility improvements to emergency services. However, several private schools received significant amounts, sometimes exceeding $1 million, leading to concerns about the constitutionality of such spending.