An Update from State Representative Gary Click
This week has been an extraordinary week in the Statehouse, and for Rep Click! The State Operating Budget - H.B. 96, has successfully passed through the Senate and the House and is now on the way to the Governor’s desk. This Budget will provide historic property tax relief for Ohioans, implementing a flat tax rate, making Ohio one of the lowest income tax states in the United States.
 Ohioans all over the state have called on the legislature to tackle rising property taxes, and members of the Ohio House are providing historic relief for taxpayers as soon as January 2026. Utilizing carryover data from 2024, and assuming school district carryover amounts remain similar, the plan will save Ohioans over $2.5 billion in property taxes starting next year.
Ohio public schools will receive nearly $700 million more for public education over the biennium than they received in FY25. This will ensure that our children have the education that they deserve.
House Bill 96 continues the state’s commitment to school choice by increasing the maximum awards for the Autism Scholarship and Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarships while also establishing an option for parents whose children attend a non-chartered non-public school to utilize an education savings account to help with the cost of their education. The bill also enhances the state’s current home education tax credit.
The Budget also helps families who need assistance paying for child care, the budget establishes the Child Care Choice program, providing $100 million for eligible families, helping more Ohioans cover the cost of needed child care services. The bill also increases funding for the Help Me Grow program, which is a system of supports for pregnant women, caregivers with new babies, and families with young children with developmental delays and disabilities. Through these programs, the State of Ohio defends the sanctity of life and supports pregnant mothers.
Rep. Click collaborated with Greg Edinger and Vanguard Sentinel JVS to champion the “Aim Higher Pilot Program.” H.B. 96 will create the Aim Higher pilot program in fiscal year 2026 to support joint vocational school districts operating dropout prevention and recovery programs. Districts that choose to participate will receive additional funding based on student outcomes. For each student enrolled in the program, districts will receive $500 for every credit earned during the fiscal year and $2,500 for each student who earns industry-recognized credentials approved under state guidelines toward a high school diploma. In addition, districts in their first three years of operating a dropout prevention and recovery program may request a one-time grant of $500,000, with $350,000 designated for career-technical education equipment and $150,000 for building renovations.
The State of Ohio’s budget plan takes a strong stance on reinforcing conservative values. Rep. Click is proud to vote for The People’s Budget and his constituents in Sandusky and Seneca Counties.
As always, thank you for your continued support. If you have any questions, please reach out to our office.
For more information or if you have any questions please reach out to Rep. Click at Rep88@ohiohouse.gov
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