Rep. Brennan Supports HB 479, Delivering Property Tax Relief and Strategic Investments for Ohioans

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (D–Parma) today announced his support for House Bill (HB) 479, legislation approved by the Ohio General Assembly that invests Ohio’s budget surplus in property tax relief, healthcare services, community projects, and other priorities that will benefit families and communities across the state.

The legislation allocates funding for several key initiatives, including:

• $350M in property tax relief for Homestead Exemption recipients;
• $320M for an expanded sales tax holiday from August 1-15, 2027;
• $310M for Ohio’s Health and Human Services Fund;
• $200M to fund community projects included in the state Capital Budget without issuing additional debt; and 
• $35M for Ohio’s Budget Stabilization Fund, increasing the state’s rainy-day fund balance to more than $4B.
   

“At a time when many Ohio families are struggling with rising costs, it is important that we put our state’s strong fiscal position to work for the people we serve,” said Rep. Brennan. “House Bill 479 provides meaningful relief for seniors and homeowners, supports healthcare services, strengthens local communities, and makes strategic investments without increasing the state’s debt burden.”

A centerpiece of the legislation is the creation of a one-time $350M property tax relief fund that will provide tax credits to approximately 710K Ohioans who receive the Homestead Exemption. Eligible seniors and disabled homeowners are expected to receive nearly $500 in property tax relief beginning in January 2027.

“Property taxes remain one of the top concerns I hear from constituents throughout House District 14,” continued Rep. Brennan. “This relief will help seniors and Ohioans with disabilities who are living on fixed incomes and struggling to keep up with increasing housing costs.”

Rep. Brennan highlighted his own legislative efforts to provide additional property tax relief through House Bill (HB) 143, legislation that would establish an enhanced Homestead Exemption for qualifying long-term homeowners.

“I introduced bipartisan House Bill 143, with State Rep. Ty Mathews (R-Lebanon), because we believe we need to do more to help longtime homeowners remain in their homes and communities,” Rep. Brennan said. “The property tax relief included in House Bill 479 complements our effort and demonstrates that lawmakers from both parties recognize the need to address affordability challenges facing Ohio homeowners.”

The legislation also dedicates $200M to community projects approved in the state’s Capital Budget, allowing those investments to be made without incurring additional borrowing costs.

“I was pleased to support a bill that invests in our communities, supports healthcare services, provides tax relief, and strengthens Ohio’s fiscal foundation,” concluded Rep. Brennan. “While more work remains to address affordability, housing, healthcare, and property taxes, House Bill 479 represents a positive step forward for Ohio families.”

HB 479 now awaits Governor Mike DeWine’s signature.