Rep. Upchurch: Reckless Abolishment of Property Taxes Would Defund Public Schools, Safety Forces, Critical Local Services

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Terrence Upchurch (D-Cleveland) today released the following statement after Wednesday’s Ballot Board meeting that advanced the Citizens for Property Tax Reform’s proposed constitutional amendment to abolish property taxes in Ohio:

“I recognize the extensive burden property taxes have on Ohioans, particularly in Cuyahoga County but completely abolishing property taxes is not the solution to this problem. Essential services in our community rely on property tax revenue, especially our public schools and this is not the time to further cut education funding,” said Rep. Upchurch, member of the Ohio Ballot Board.

Property tax fatigue is understandable. However, this amendment would slash funding for public schools, counties and townships, police officers and firefighters, public parks, public libraries, development disabilities and mental health boards, and services for veterans and seniors without setting forth a funding alternative that works for Ohioans. For most Ohio public schools, property taxes make up a majority of their budget and over 60% of all property taxes.

High property taxes are the result of both the choices that the Republican-led legislature has made and their failure to act. The state used to cover the homestead exemption for all seniors, cut all property tax levies by 12.5%, and pay more for local services such as schools and public safety. Since 2007 when Ohio Democrats passed the largest property tax cut in Ohio history, Ohio Republicans have walked away from these policies and cut the percentage of state revenue dedicated to property tax relief almost in half.

Ohioans vote on levies more often than any other state in the country, yet other states boast stronger property tax relief programs. The legislature has had numerous, bipartisan proposals that cut property taxes for homeowners while keeping schools and local governments whole. A property tax circuit breaker would give working Ohioans a $1,000 rebate to help them afford their property tax bills. Increasing the homestead exemption, as proposed by Democrats for over a decade, would help keep more seniors on fixed incomes in their homes. Real property tax relief requires the state to pay its fair share and is targeted to those who need it most.