Ohio legislators prepare special session to override governor’s tax vetoes
Ohio lawmakers are preparing for a special session to override Governor Mike DeWine’s vetoes on specific property tax reforms included in the state’s $60 billion budget bill. After DeWine issued 67 line-item vetoes last week, the Ohio House plans to convene on July 21 to consider overturning vetoes that affect county budget commissions’ authority to reduce voter-approved school district taxes, how certain taxes factor into school funding calculations, and the ability of school districts and local governments to levy property taxes. The state Senate is expected to follow suit, with both chambers requiring a three-fifths majority for an override. Governor DeWine acknowledged rising property taxes in Ohio and emphasized the state’s checks and balances but maintained that his vetoes were justified. To further address property tax issues, DeWine has also established a Property Tax Reform Working Group co-chaired by former lawmakers, set to report recommendations by September 30.
Ohio legislators prepare special session to override governor’s vetoes on tax reforms
Lawmakers in Ohio are preparing to override Gov. Mike DeWine’s (R-OH) vetoes on certain property tax changes.
Last week, DeWine made 67 line-item vetoes in the state’s $60 billion budget bill. This week, Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman issued a memo to state legislators that they will be in session later this month.
“The purpose of the session is to consider overriding line-item vetoes made by the Governor to H.B. No. 96,” the notice said.
Lawmakers will consider overriding the governor’s veto so far on three items regarding property taxes. The first is a provision that would grant county budget commissions the authority to reduce taxes approved by voters for a school district. The second is a requirement for certain taxes to be included in a $20 million calculation regarding school funding, and the last is an item that eliminates school districts’ and local governments’ ability to levy property taxes.
The Ohio House plans to meet on July 21. There is not yet a set date for the state Senate. Both chambers require a three-fifths vote to override a veto.
State Senate Finance Chair Jerry Cirino, a Republican, said the state House will need to act first, but that the state Senate will likely follow.
“I think given the fact we all just got done voting for this bill with the property tax reforms in it, I think it would be a logical conclusion to suggest that we would support any next steps necessary to get it into revised code,” Cirino said.
The governor acknowledged that property taxes have increased in Ohio over the last decade and addressed the possible override.
“We have a constitutional process and in Ohio we have a great system as we do in most states, checks and balances and everybody has a turn to make their move. I made my move,” he said. “My move was to veto things that I thought were not good for the state of Ohio. And the legislature can now do what they do, obviously I think my vetoes were valid but we’ll see what the legislature wants to do.”
DEWINE SIGNS BUDGET, ISSUES 67 VETOES
DeWine meanwhile, formed a new group that he said is aimed at looking into rising property taxes in the state. The newly formed Property Tax Reform Working Group will look into ways to lower property taxes while ensuring government functions properly.
DeWine named former state lawmakers Bill Seitz and Pat Tiberi as co-chairs of the group. It is slated to present its findings by Sept. 30.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
