A Legislative Update, October 17, 2019
The House was successful in passing several pieces of legislation last week to form the Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementias Task Force and to establish several tax deductions and exemptions.
My colleagues in the Ohio House and I work hard to improve the lives of the Ohioans we represent, and I appreciate the opportunity to update you on these and other issues before us in the legislature.
Establishing the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Task Force: Senate Bill 24 establishes a state Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementias Task Force. An estimated 220,000 Ohioans currently live with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, and for every person with Alzheimer’s or dementia, there are two to three caregivers who also need support. Senate Bill 24 creates the Task Force within the Ohio Department of Health, charged with developing an official and comprehensive state action plan to address the impact of these diseases. I co-sponsored this legislation, which passed out of the Senate and the House unanimously.
Tax Deductions for Teachers’ Expenses, Feminine Hygiene and Incontinence Products: Senate Bill 26 authorizes teachers to deduct, for income tax purposes, up to $250 in amounts paid for professional development and classroom supplies. Ohio teachers spend an average of $600 of their own money each year on basic school supplies to help their students succeed. This change, which mirrors federal tax law, will help the teachers who help our students every day. Senate Bill 26 also includes several other tax provisions, including an amendment to restore the Business Income Deduction as permitted in 2018 and to require the North American Industry Classification System Code be indicated on taxpayers’ returns for any business income claimed against the Business Income Deduction.
Senate Bill 26 also includes provisions repealing Ohio’s sales tax on feminine hygiene products, as well as prescription incontinence products for Medicaid recipients. Senate Bill 26 passed out of the House unanimously and now awaits a concurrence vote in the Senate.
In everything I do, whether it is in Columbus or back in my home district of Stark County, I will continue to make your priorities my priorities. With that goal in mind, I welcome your feedback and opinions at any time. Please do not hesitate to contact me by calling (614) 752-2438, emailing Rep48@OhioHouse.gov, or by writing me at 77 South High St., Columbus, Ohio 43215.