Cuyahoga County, House Democrats Call for State Action to Alleviate Property Tax Burden Impacting Homeowners

COLUMBUS — Cuyahoga County State Reps. Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Westlake), Phillip M. Robinson (D-Solon), Sean Patrick Brennan (Parma) and Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne hosted a press conference Tuesday in Cuyahoga County addressing state-mandated property valuation changes and solutions to growing concerns over rising property taxes for Ohio homeowners. 

“At the end of the day, high property taxes are a choice,” said Rep Sweeney. “This property tax crisis Cuyahoga County residents are now facing is a direct result of the state legislature’s failure to act and an intentional policy platform that has systematically shifted the burden of property taxes onto the backs of working people, middle-class families, and senior citizens. It's time for the state legislature to take action— Ohioans need help now.”

"We are concerned about the impact of rapidly increasing property tax values on our residents," said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. "Our families are feeling the strain of higher property taxes, and the County is doing everything in our power to help. We are urging the state legislature to act now to offer lasting tax relief and reform. The health and stability of our communities depend on it.”

Rep. Robinson outlined the state’s neglect to properly fund Ohio’s public schools and cuts to local governments puts more burden on property taxes. The Solon lawmaker advocated for the passage of House Bill (HB) 573, legislation restoring state support for local governments to 2008 levels, which would invest an additional billion dollars in our communities and ease the local tax burden of supporting police, fire and service departments.

“One way we can alleviate the burden of local property taxes on people is to fully implement the Fair School Funding Plan and increase support to the Local Government Fund. Otherwise, we are either forcing our schools and local governments to cut essential services and resources, or making constituents take on more of the burden in local taxes. We put people first when the state pays its fair share to support our public schools and local communities, which lessens the need for levies and other local tax increases,” said Rep. Robinson.

Rep. Brennan outlined his commitment to providing assistance and support to those impacted by the new valuations and advocated for bipartisan legislative action in Columbus to aid seniors and homeowners with rising costs.

“It is an honor to share the podium with like minded public servants who have empathy for those we serve. We will not waver in our advocacy for the people we care about and serve,” said Rep. Brennan.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Today’s press conference can be viewed here. Courtesy: Cuyahoga County