Ohio House Republicans Push for Property Tax Relief Over Vetoes

News Summary

Ohio House Republicans are set to override Governor Mike DeWine’s vetoes on property tax relief measures. Advocates for public education worry that these changes could negatively impact school funding. The vote is expected on July 21, needing at least 60 votes for success. While some lawmakers back the tax relief, others fear it may compromise educational resources. Governor DeWine has formed a working group to explore property tax solutions, highlighting the tensions between fiscal responsibility and education funding.

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio House Republicans have announced plans to override Governor Mike DeWine’s recent vetoes concerning provisions designed to provide property tax relief. This legislative effort is expected to involve a tight vote amidst growing concerns from advocates for public education, who argue that the proposed changes could significantly harm school funding and resources.

The expected override vote is scheduled for July 21, with an accompanying Senate vote later that same week. A minimum of 60 votes is required for a successful override, a number that presents a challenge for the Republican majority, which consists of 65 members in the House. To secure an override, party leaders can afford to lose only six votes, and some GOP lawmakers have either signaled their opposition or are not returning for the session.

Public education advocates are particularly worried about the implications of the vetoed provisions. Many teachers breathed a sigh of relief when DeWine rejected measures in the state budget that were seen as detrimental to school funding. Key provisions that were vetoed included limitations on schools’ ability to propose new levies or request increases to existing ones. Additionally, the governor vetoed requirements that would have imposed levy replacement burdens on various political subdivisions, effectively restricting school districts in their funding capabilities.

Among the measures DeWine vetoed were restrictions on emergency levies, which would have prohibited schools from imposing fixed-sum emergency levies and combined tax levies. This decision was supported by Cleveland Heights School Board Member Dan Heintz, who expressed concerns that the provisions could initiate a “race to the bottom” among school districts, leading to degraded educational offerings.

The veto decision also included the elimination of a provision that permitted county budget commissions to withdraw funds from pre-existing school levies if they deemed necessary. In addition, a vetoed measure regarding certain tax levies excluded them from being considered in the 20-mill floor calculation for school funding, which could further reduce available financial support for schools.

State Representative David Thomas, a Republican from Jefferson, has been vocal in advocating for the tax relief measures, stating that they are crucial to implement by November 1 in response to constituents’ demands for immediate tax reductions and reforms. However, a division exists within the Republican party; a group of lawmakers, including former House Speaker Jason Stephens, has voiced concerns that overriding the veto could have more harmful effects on schools than benefits for taxpayers.

In light of the upcoming legislative session, Governor DeWine has initiated a new working group focused on property tax issues, which will be chaired by former lawmaker Bill Seitz and Ohio Business Roundtable CEO Pat Tiberi. This group is tasked with exploring alternative solutions for property tax challenges in Ohio, aiming to address both taxpayer concerns and the needs of public education.

In summary, the situation in Ohio reflects an ongoing debate about property tax relief and its implications for public education. As the anticipated vote approaches, the outcome remains uncertain, with significant stakes for both taxpayers and schools across the state. The discussions highlight the complexities of balancing fiscal responsibility and adequate educational funding in Ohio.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Cleveland Homeowners Face Property Tax Deadline Amid Legislative Changes

Additional Resources

• The Columbus Dispatch
• 10TV
• NBC4i
• Wikipedia: Property Tax
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Property Tax