Rep. Brennan Applauds Consideration of Circuit Breaker, Homestead Expansion in Property Tax Reform Discussions

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (D-Parma) today praised the direction of Governor Mike DeWine’s newly formed Property Tax Reform Working Group, which is reviewing several potential avenues for relief—including proposals similar to those Rep. Brennan has championed in the Ohio House.

“Property tax relief is long overdue, but it must be done responsibly,” said Rep. Brennan. “Reforms should be state-funded and targeted to those who need it most—middle-class families and seniors on fixed incomes—not the ultra-wealthy. And relief must not come on the backs of our local governments, which fund our schools, police, fire, and infrastructure projects.”

The working group is entertaining a property tax rebate program—an idea modeled after Rep. Brennan’s House Bill (HB) 365, introduced in the 136th General Assembly. The proposal sets a ceiling at 5% of a homeowner’s or renter's household resources and sunsets at $100,000 in income. If property taxes or rent exceed that threshold, they would be able to claim a rebate of up to $1,000. The idea is to protect less affluent homeowners from being taxed out of their homes, while continuing to levy taxes on those who can afford them.

Additionally, the group is examining expansions to the Homestead Exemption, echoing the reforms outlined in Rep. Brennan’s House Bill (HB) 143, which would extend relief to more seniors so they can remain in their homes with dignity and security.

Rep. Brennan has also emphasized that property tax reform should focus on fairness and sustainability.

“We can strike a balance that keeps people in their homes while preserving vital local services. That’s why I am encouraged that Governor DeWine’s working group is giving serious consideration to ideas like the circuit breaker and an expanded Homestead Exemption. These reforms represent common-sense, bipartisan solutions to one of the biggest financial pressures facing Ohioans today,” said Rep. Brennan. “I look forward to the findings of the working group and hope that the bipartisan policies will move forward in the legislature.”

HB 365 and HB 143 remain pending in the Ohio House of Representatives.