Rep. Workman Votes in Support of House Budget Bill, Delivering estimated $38.1 million in property Tax Relief for House District 72
COLUMBUS – State Representative Heidi Workman (R-Rootstown) on Wednesday voted in support of Am. Sub. House Bill 96 – the House’s version of the State Operating Budget. This fiscally responsible, forward-looking plan makes key investments in Ohio families, students, and communities while delivering over $4 billion in property tax relief to Ohioans statewide, including an estimated $38.1 million for the 72nd House District. The reforms deliver real relief to local homeowners and meaningful investments in schools, libraries, and workforce development.
“This budget reflects our conservative priorities—responsible spending, tax relief for working families, and putting dollars back where they belong: in the taxpayer’s wallet,” said Workman. “I'm proud to support a plan that not only strengthens Ohio, but directly supports Portage County.”
Statewide Relief, Local Impact: Targeted Property Tax Reform
House Bill 96 includes a first-of-its-kind property tax relief provision requiring school districts with more than 30% in unspent cash balances to return excess local tax dollars to property owners in the form of tax cuts. This reform will generate over $4 billion in statewide relief, including an estimated $38.1 million for the 72nd District. Additionally, this bill mandates that the County Budget Commission monitor districts’ reserve accounts and appropriately adjust tax rates, ultimately empowering local elected officials with authority to manage much-needed, targeted property tax relief.
Boosting Local Schools and Libraries
This budget delivers a $555.2 million increase in public education funding statewide over the next two years. Every public school district in Ohio, including all those in Portage County, will see increased per-pupil funding in fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
The plan makes necessary revisions to the Fair School Funding Formula, in part because over half of the school districts in Ohio would have experienced a loss of state funding compared to their current state aid.
“I could not support the Governor’s initial budget proposal because it would have cut state aid for our local districts by $5.3 million over the next two years,” said Workman. “There were some winners and many losers under the Governor’s proposal and nearly all my school districts were among those losing state support. Under this bill, however, every school in Ohio wins, including every one of our local schools. Every student wins under the House’s proposal and that is a victory I am proud to support.”
Additionally, Portage County libraries will see a 2.4% increase in state funding over the biennium. This bill, however, does shift state funding away from a percentage of the state General Revenue Fund of 1.7% and requires that the Public Library Fund, like all other state agencies, come before the General Assembly in the next cycle to discuss their funding needs.
Prioritizing Ohio Jobs Through Higher Education Reform
The budget also makes a significant shift in how Ohio funds higher education. Under an amendment authored by Rep. Workman, the formula for distributing $100 million annually through the State Share of Instruction will now prioritize retention-based outcomes—specifically rewarding institutions, including community and trade schools, that produce graduates who live and work in Ohio. This shift ensures that our investment in higher education supports Ohio’s workforce and economic future.
A separate $10 million in funding for technician-aligned associate degrees will also prioritize these in-state employment outcomes, strengthening career pathways that keep young workers in our communities.
Reviewing the E-Check Program in Northeast Ohio
Another amendment championed by Workman included in the budget requires the Ohio EPA Director to conduct a comprehensive review of the E-Check vehicle emissions program to determine its current necessity and assess how regional lake-effect weather patterns may be affecting emissions and air quality in Northeast Ohio.
The EPA must compile its findings into a public report and submit it to the General Assembly within 18 months of the bill’s effective date. This amendment reflects Workman’s continued efforts to reduce unnecessary government burdens and bring transparency and fairness to state regulatory programs that impact Portage County residents. If the analysis finds that compliance may be achieved without participation in the program, the director shall formally submit a request to the United States Environmental Protection Agency for reconsideration of the program's implementation in affected regions.
House Bill 96 now heads to the Ohio Senate for further deliberation. Rep. Workman looks forward to continuing to advocate for policies that deliver results for Portage County and all Ohioans.