Callender Announces Passage of Permissive Use Tax Language

COLUMBUS- State Representative Jamie Callender (R-Concord) announces the passage of Senate Bill 164, which includes permissive use tax language to allow the Cuyahoga Arts and Culture District to renew or replace its cigarette tax. This language was added by floor amendment from Callender during the final session of the 134th General Assembly. 

During 2020 and 2021, the Cuyahoga Arts and Culture District provided $20.4 million in General Operating Support grants to 65 organizations, while also funding 295 other nonprofit organizations with $12 million from additional grants during 2021. However, revenues for the tax have been declining steadily since 2008.

This bill makes three key changes to the existing permissive use language to ensure the Cuyahoga Arts and Culture District can continue their support of the regions arts;

•       Allow for the renewal or replacement of existing arts and culture district cigarette and vapor taxes
•        Allow the county to convert the existing per cigarette tax to a wholesale tax up to 9% of the wholesale price
•         Levy a new tax on vapor products to benefit the regional arts and culture district up to 9% of the wholesale price

This language was amended into SB 164 by a vote of 61-23, passed out of the House by a vote of 76-9 and was concurred to by the Senate with vote of 28-1. This demonstrates the broad, bipartisan support that the arts have in the Ohio General Assembly. It is a commitment that ensures people have access to the arts and these resources are cared for properly.

“Cuyahoga County has a rich and vibrant history of supporting the arts, which includes organizations as diverse as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Great Lakes Science Center and the Children’s Museum of Cleveland,” said Callender. “This language will ensure that not just Cuyahoga County but all of Northeastern Ohio is able to benefit from access to world class museums, theater and music.” 

The permissive use language amended by Rep Callender into SB 164 gives Cuyahoga County the ability to maintain the solvency of its Arts and Culture District for many years to come. By doing so, northeast Ohio will continue to maintain and support world class music, art and theater for all generations and generations to come.