Rep. Brennan Warns Parma Schools Face $7M in Losses Per Year in State Funding if Property Tax Vetoes are Overridden

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (D-Parma) in July stood with Ohio homeowners by voting against the Ohio House’s decision to override Governor Mike DeWine’s veto of legislation that could drive up property taxes up to about $96 million statewide. Despite Rep. Brennan’s opposition, the override passed and now awaits consideration in the Ohio Senate.

“This override was a mistake,” said Rep. Brennan. “It was sold as transparency, but in reality, it shifts up to about $100 million in costs onto homeowners. At a time when families are already feeling squeezed by higher housing costs, utilities, and groceries, the last thing they need is another hidden property tax hike.”

The legislation eliminates “emergency” and “substitute” school levies, which Republican lawmakers argued were confusing for voters. But education leaders warn the change will eliminate longstanding state rollback credits that help cover property tax bills. By eliminating types of levies that include the state rollbacks, overriding the veto would mean to just maintain current funding local property owners will pay more.

The Parma City School District, which Rep. Brennan represents, stands to lose $7M per year in state funding, if the Senate also votes to override the governor’s veto.

Rep. Brennan stressed the importance of balancing support for public schools with protecting taxpayers.

“Ohioans deserve real reforms that make our property tax system fairer and more sustainable,” concluded Rep. Brennan. “I urge the Senate to do the right thing and sustain the governor’s veto.”

The Senate is expected to take up the override vote later this fall.