Rep. Robinson: Republicans' Veto Override Leaves Local Communities Holding the Bag, Still No Real Property Relief for Majority of Ohioans

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Phil Robinson (D-Solon) today voted “NO” on the vote to override a school district property tax levy restriction provision vetoed in House Bill 96 (the state operating budget). Line-item 66 would eliminate several types of levies, limiting the choices voters have in how to support their schools and local governments, and would not provide real property tax relief to Ohioans. Real property tax relief is one of the most pressing needs for everyday Ohioans. House Democrats are ready and willing to work together to get that done.

“The majority who has been in charge of Ohio for almost 30 years and has been told time and time again about the issues facing Ohioans decided on political theater over real reform. Instead of delivering meaningful property tax relief, Republicans pushed through a provision that strips local governments and schools of critical levy options — forcing them to either go back to the ballot more often or cut vital services. Once again, the majority party is passing the buck, asking local voters to clean up the mess while they hand out tax breaks to the wealthy and fund billionaires’ stadiums. House Democrats have put forward real, bipartisan solutions for property tax relief that are targeted, state-funded, and protect our communities. We’re ready to get to work, Ohioans deserve better,” said Rep. Robinson.

Thanks to public advocacy, the two other provisions that were supposed to be called onto the floor today were not called.

Instead of the state providing real tax relief, Republicans continue to prioritize property tax proposals that benefit the wealthiest Ohioans and that give handouts to billionaires for sports stadiums. Republicans are passing the buck to get schools and local communities to pay the price for wasteful state spending.

During this General Assembly, House Democrats have introduced several bipartisan pieces of legislation to help Ohioans lower their property taxes that the Republican supermajority have failed to act on. They include:

• HB 103 (Troy, T. Hall) - Double Homestead Exemption for Seniors
• HB 143 (Brennan, Mathews) - Double Homestead Exemption for Long-Term Homeowners
• HB 156 (Isaacsohn, T. Hall) - Freeze Property Taxes for Seniors
• HB 365 (Brennan, D. Hall) - Enact the Property Tax Refund Act 
   

The legislation introduced by House Democrats would bring about real property tax relief that is targeted, state-funded, and wouldn’t come at the expense of our local communities.