Rep. Brent Votes NO on HB 519: Calls 90-Day Tax Gimmick "Politricking" instead of Real Economic Relief

COLUMBUS - State Representative Juanita O. Brent (D-Cleveland) released the following statement regarding her NO vote on the Senate amendments to House Bill 519, legislation that temporarily suspends the state gas tax for 90 days, appropriates $726 million for retailer reimbursements, and establishes a gas-station payment program with minimal enforcement authority:

"Ohio families deserve genuine, long-term economic solutions, not temporary election-year gimmicks designed to score headlines. What we saw with the Senate amendments to House Bill 519 isn’t governance; it’s politricking during an election cycle instead of doing the actual work,” said Rep. Brent. "It is a hollow political agenda that offers little to no enforcement authority to ensure consumers actually see the savings, while throwing hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars at a patchwork fix.”

Instead of a temporary gas tax suspension that lacks consumer protection and accountability, Representative Brent emphasizes that Ohio should focus on proven, impactful ways to put money back into the pockets of working families and communities:

• Universal Free Breakfast and Lunch for School Students 
• Fully Funded Public Transit: 
• Expanded Property Tax Relief: 
• Lower Utility Costs.