COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — A significant step was taken Wednesday as the Ohio Ballot Board voted to certify a constitutional amendment aimed at abolishing property taxes in the state. This measure joins nearly 20 other bills under consideration by lawmakers to reduce or eliminate property taxes.
One supporter of the amendment said in a public comment session that “it seems obvious [to me] that this is one issue.”
High property taxes have been a significant concern for Ohio residents, prompting the push for a constitutional amendment.
Sen. Bill DeMora, D-Columbus, who opposes the amendment, expressed frustration with the legislature’s inaction on what he described as “common-sense issues.”
“It’s frustration of citizens that the legislature won’t take action on common-sense issues,” DeMora said.
John Marra, a proponent of the amendment, emphasized its goal: “This proposed constitutional amendment presents one clear unified objective: to eliminate the taxation of real property in Ohio.”
Opponents argue that eliminating property taxes could have severe consequences for the state and local governments.
“Ending property taxes would be a disaster for the state of Ohio and local governments,” DeMora warned. “I think it’s a stupid idea, but again I understand the frustration of people because their property taxes are too high, and the legislature hasn’t acted.”
Supporters of the petition argue that high property taxes are forcing people out of their homes.
“People don’t want to lose their homes,” Marra said. “Seniors can’t afford to live in their home anymore because the property tax is way too high.”
Marra also suggested alternative funding methods, stating, “There’s other ways to collect. There’s income tax and sales tax that can also be used to collect this.”
The ballot board’s unanimous vote approved the amendment as a single issue for the Ohio Constitution. Petitioners now have six weeks to gather enough signatures from voters in 44 counties — half of Ohio’s 88 counties — to secure a spot on the November ballot. If enough signatures are verified, Ohioans will have the opportunity to vote on the measure.
House Minority Leader Allison Russo, D-Upper Arlington, released a 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:
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 paid 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.
The debate continues among Ohioans on social media, with some expressing concern over potential cuts to essential services funded by property taxes, such as schools and emergency medical services. Others, frustrated by high taxes, support the amendment’s goal of eliminating them.
