Rep. Brennan Votes Against Overriding Governor
COLUMBUS – State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (D-Parma) issued the following statement after voting ‘NO’ on a provision that was previously vetoed by Governor Mike DeWine and revived by the legislature despite bipartisan concerns:
“Ohioans need real property tax relief now—relief that actually helps middle- and working-class families, not policies that benefit the wealthiest few while decimating funding for public schools and local services,” said Rep. Brennan. “That’s why I voted ‘NO’ on this proposal. This override doesn’t fix the problem—it makes it worse.”
The provision in question would have:
- Restricted how local governments and school districts can place levies on the ballot, reducing flexibility and forcing communities to return to the ballot more often or cut vital services (Governor’s Item 66).
“This isn’t property tax relief—it’s a political shell game,” said Rep. Brennan. “Even Governor DeWine, a member of the majority party, vetoed this provision for good reason. The proposal doesn’t lower taxes in any meaningful way for most Ohioans. Instead, it strips local control, punishes public schools and first responders, and threatens essential services—all while letting the state legislature dodge its responsibility to fund real, sustainable relief.”
Rep. Brennan pointed specifically to the devastating impact on his own community in the biennial budget:
“The Parma City School District, which serves the families and students of House District 14, stands to lose over $2.5 million as a direct result of these misguided provisions in the budget. That’s money for classrooms, teachers, and vital student services that will simply disappear—all for a plan that gives the most benefit to those who need it least,” continued Rep. Brennan.
Many school districts will not see a dime in relief from the overridden provision, and in communities that would be affected, the tradeoff could be devastating.
“We cannot solve Ohio’s property tax crisis by passing the buck to school districts and municipalities that are already stretched thin,” said Rep. Brennan. “Voters deserve the right to decide what kind of communities they want to live in. This provision would undermine their voice and weaken their schools and services.”
Rep. Brennan also underscored his support for proposals that would provide true, immediate relief, including:
- Expanding the Homestead Exemption for Ohio’s seniors;
- A $1,000 property tax rebate for families hit hardest by recent increases; and
- Reinstating and strengthening state-funded property tax relief programs that were gutted in recent years.
“I am ready to work across the aisle on solutions that put Ohio homeowners first,” concluded Rep. Brennan. “But I will not support hollow gestures that hurt our communities and leave most families behind.”