Rep. Sobecki statement as bill that would cut local revenues passes Ways and Means Committee

Rep. Lisa Sobecki (D-Toledo), the Ranking Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee, released a statement Tuesday following the committee passage of House Bill (HB) 157, legislation that would prohibit the collection of income taxes from workers who aren’t physically in an office inside the city or village limits. The bill comes as many Ohio workers remain on work from home status amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“For a decade, Republicans gutted local government funding, forcing local communities to rely heavily on income taxes to fund the services essential to our daily lives, from police, fire and emergency services to parks and education. Now, Republicans are looking to pull the rug out from under communities again with this bill that will decimate local government resources at a time when they’re already stretched too thin responding to this once in a century public health and economic crisis. HB 157 will force cities and townships alike to make some tough choices. This bill should not pass.”

After clearing the House Ways and Means Committee, HB 157 heads to the floor for a vote before the whole House.