Rep. Russo: Republicans' Veto Override Leaves Local Communities Holding the Bag, Still No Real Property Relief for Majority of Ohioans

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) today called for the legislature to vote “NO” against overriding a budget provision vetoed in House Bill 96 (the state operating budget), citing the fact that restricting local control will not provide real property tax relief to Ohioans. 

“Today’s veto override vote shows the absolute chaos complete Republican control of Ohio has caused,” said Rep. Russo. “Convening this special session was a waste of taxpayer resources, and the only veto override House Republicans could muster for this goat rope does nothing to provide real property tax relief. Instead of pursuing real property tax reform that offers meaningful relief to working families, this budget forces cuts that will harm public education and weaken local governments. The truth is that most homeowners will not see any reductions in their property taxes due to these changes but will instead be passed the buck for wasteful state spending. Ohioans deserve a budget that lifts up all communities, not one that entrenches inequality and undermines essential services."

Instead of the state providing real tax relief, Republicans continue to prioritize property tax proposals that benefit the wealthiest Ohioans and give handouts to billionaires for sports stadiums. While public schools struggle to pay teachers and hire bus drivers, this vetoed provision places more responsibility on local communities to fund public services while the state share diminishes in favor of tax cuts that will be imperceptible to most Ohioans. 

During this General Assembly, House Democrats have introduced several bipartisan pieces of legislation to help Ohioans lower their property taxes that the Republican supermajority has failed to act on. They include:

• HB 103- Double the Homestead Exemption for Seniors
• HB 143 - Double the Homestead Exemption for Long-Term Homeowners
• HB 156 - Freeze Property Taxes for Seniors
• HB 365 - Enact the Property Tax Refund Act 

The legislation introduced by House Democrats would bring about real property tax relief that is targeted, state-funded, and wouldn’t come at the expense of our local communities.