A Government Shutdown Could Occur on Dec. 21. Here's What Services and Payments Could Be Impacted

With two federal spending bills now scrapped and a revised version still up in the air, the U.S. faces a possible government shutdown that could begin at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, when current funding is set to lapse. That raises questions about what types of services and payments could be impacted just days before the holidays.  A looming shutdown stems from controversy over a spending bill that would have extended funding through March 14, but which was nixed by House Speaker Mike Johnson after some Republicans — including President-elect Donald Trump — objected to billions of dollars in spending that had been added to the bill. Without congressional approval for new spending, federal agencies are typically barred from doling out money, although there are some exceptions, such as activities to protect life and property. At the same time, agencies must make decisions about which workers will stay on the job, which can lead to varying impacts on government operations. Below is what could be impacted if the U.S. government shuts down on Dec. 21.

The Ohio Council Welcomes 3 New Member Providers

1. Families First Health Services in Independence, OH - Giamar Gilchrist, Executive Director can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at (202) 300- 6367. Families First Health Services is a for-profit organization, which provides therapy, CPST, and TBS services in Cuyahoga, Stark and Summit Counties. Click here to learn more about Families First Health Services!

2. Regal Recovery Care in South Point, OH - James Artis, Executive Director can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at  (740) 523-0097. Regal Recovery Care is a for-profit organization, which provides SUD group, SUD individuals, SUD case management, Psycho-therapy, CBT, DBT, CPST, and SUD nursing services in Lawrence and Scioto Counties. Click here to learn more about Regal Recovery Care!

3. Unity Behavioral Health in Port Clinton, OH - Alicia Boreman, Chief Operations Officer can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at (419) 819-8428. Unity Behavioral Health is a non-profit organization, which provides mental health services, individual counseling, family counseling, case management, MH day treatment, and crisis services in Ottawa, Sandusky and surrounding counties. Click here to learn more about Unity Behavioral Health!

Ohio House Passes Bill that Could Cause Expelled Students to Undergo a Psychiatric Assessment

The Ohio House passed House Bill 206 in a 65-15 vote, granting school districts the authority to expel students who pose an “imminent and severe endangerment” to the safety of others for up to 180 school days, with the option for indefinite extensions in 90-day increments. The bill, introduced by Reps. Gary Click (R) and Monica Robb Blasdel (R), will now move to the Senate for consideration. If not passed by year’s end, the bill would need to be reintroduced in the next General Assembly.

H.B. 206 defines endangerment as actions such as bringing weapons to school, issuing bomb threats, causing serious harm, or making credible threats (e.g., via social media or written manifestos). The legislation also enables school boards to establish policies for superintendents to set conditions for reinstating expelled students, including requiring a psychiatric or psychological evaluation. Reinstatement would occur only if the student is deemed rehabilitated and no longer a danger. The bill also mandates alternative educational options for expelled students.

Proponents, including Robb Blasdel, emphasize that the bill provides schools with greater flexibility and control in managing dangerous situations while prioritizing safety for students and staff. Critics, however, point to potential equity concerns. Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D), who voted against the bill, highlighted its potential for disproportionately impacting children of color and expressed concerns about insufficient mental health and behavioral supports for students in crisis.

A report from Children’s Defense Fund Ohio earlier this year found that Black students are 4.3 times more likely than their white peers to face suspension or expulsion. Similarly, students with disabilities and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds experience higher rates of discipline occurrences.

The Ohio Poverty Law Center acknowledged the bill’s intent but criticized the discretion it grants school officials to expel students indefinitely, emphasizing the importance of classroom presence for academic success. Critics warn that the bill could exacerbate educational inequities while lacking safeguards to address the root causes of disruptive behaviors.

Rule Change Paves Way for Incarcerated Individuals, Probationers/Parolees to Become Certified Peer Supporters

The OhioMHAS Bureau of Recovery Supports is pleased to announce that incarcerated individuals, as well as those on probation and parole, can be certified as peer supporters. Previously these individuals were able to complete peer supporter training, but not able to complete the certification process while in custody or under court sanctions. This change in interpretation of Ohio Administrative Code Rule 5122-29-15.1 expands access to meaningful employment for more individuals upon release.

“Peer supporters provide tremendous value to individuals in recovery and the behavioral health system. I am always advocating for additional pathways to employment for those with lived experience,” said OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn. “Thanks to advocacy from the peer community and partnership with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections, we reexamined Administrative Code and determined that individuals do not have to wait until court sanctions have expired before applying for certification. We are thrilled to provide this new opportunity to prospective peer supporters.”

OhioMHAS would also like to thank Governor DeWine and ODRC Director Annette Chambers-Smith for their endorsement of this change. Certain disqualifying offenses remain for prospective Peer Supporters. More information on disqualifying offenses can be found HERE.

OhioMHAS Peer Services Team
Office of Community Planning & Collaboration| Bureau of Recovery Supports
30 E. Broad St., 36th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Webpage: https://mha.ohio.gov/community-partners/peer-supporters