Rep. Somani Supports Property Tax Reduction for Gold-Star Families, Calls for Further Reductions for Ohio Homeowners

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Anita Somani (D-Dublin) today announced the passage of House Bill (HB) 378, a bill that permits homestead exemption property-tax reduction for surviving spouses of service members killed in the line of duty.

A step in the right direction, this bill assists the families of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, but does not broaden property tax relief to more Ohioans, as Ohio House Democrats have suggested.

“Increasing property taxes are a massive burden for many people, especially our senior citizens.  We must continue to push for property tax reform that prevents Ohioans from being priced out of their own homes,” said Rep. Somani.

In the wake of increasing property taxes across the state, House Democrats have introduced proposals to broaden property tax relief to more Ohioans:

•  HB 60 (Troy) would increase the amount of and expand the homestead exemption.
• HB 263 (Isaacsohn/Hall) would authorize property tax reduction to those who qualify.
•  HB 274 (Dell’Aquila/Mathews) would authorize enhanced homestead exemption for certain homeowners. This bill will benefit an estimated 461,450 Ohio homeowners who would qualify for the enhanced reduction.
• The Joint Committee on Property Tax Review and Reform, founded by Rep. Daniel Troy (D-Troy) studies and reports on all aspects of Ohio’s property tax law including levies, exemptions, and local political subdivision budgeting, concluding with concrete recommendations on how to better Ohio’s property tax laws.

Rep. Somani and Ohio House Democrats believe that all Ohioans deserve the fundamental freedom to prosper economically, achieve the American Dream, and to live safely in our communities.