 The Ohio House is officially back in session! I am greatly honored to represent Ohio's 80th House District, covering Miami and southern Darke counties. If you are ever in Columbus, please feel free to call and schedule a visit at The People's Office of District 80.
Property Tax Release
 Representative Newman voted in support of House Bill 129 and House Bill 309, both of which serve as reasonable, informed responses to the unprecedented surge in residents’ property tax burdens across the state. These bills add to the list of House-championed initiatives aimed at providing property tax relief for Ohioans.
“The voices of my constituents, and all Ohioans, have been heard. Property owners have been taxed too much through property taxes and the House of Representatives is taking action to lower them,” Newman said. “These two bills are only the start; there is more that needs to be done and we intend to get it done.”
House Bill 129 would require emergency and substitute tax levies, incremental growth levies, conversion levies, and the property tax portion of combined income tax and property tax levies to be included in the 20-mill floor calculation for school funding purposes.
Roughly 200 Ohio school districts have used emergency and substitute levies to gather large windfalls from property value increases thanks to being on the 20-mill floor, plus additional annual guaranteed revenue the districts receive from these levies, which are not included in the 20-mill floor calculation today. If enacted, emergency and substitute levy rates will count towards the 20-mill floor when a school district undergoes its sexennial reappraisal or triennial update, reducing or preventing unvoted tax spikes for the residents of those districts.
House Bill 309 reduces unnecessary property tax collections by expanding the County Budget Commission’s authority to modify levies and reduce a taxing unit’s millage if the Commission deems a local government would receive unnecessary or excessive property tax collections. It would also increase transparency by clarifying the authority budget commissions currently have and increase transparency when addressing unvoted windfalls of revenue.
These two pieces of legislation were approved in the state budget and unanimously recommended with slight modifications by the Governor’s Ohio Property Tax Working Group, which is composed of various school and local government leaders.
House Bill 129 and House Bill 309 now move to the Senate for further consideration.
House Concurrent Resolution 23 - Honoring the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Army and Army Chaplaincy
Representatives Johnathan Newman and Ty Mathews recently announced that the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Concurrent Resolution 23 – legislation recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States Army, Champlain Corps.
“Without the Army our nation would never have been what it is now; without the chaplaincy the Army would never have been what it is now,” said Rep. Newman. “Today, we celebrate 250 years of these two entities that have brought us to the point where next year we will celebrate the 250 years of our great nation.”
The resolution says in part: “That we, the members of the 136th General Assembly of the State of Ohio, in adopting this resolution, recognize the 250th anniversary of the United States Army and of the United States Army, Chaplain Corps.”
The United States Army celebrated its 250th anniversary on June 14, 2025, commemorating the Army's distinguished service to our nation. Since its establishment, Army soldiers, families and civilians have supported our nation, providing assistance in times of need, including disaster relief and recovery efforts.
The resolution states: “The Army helps create a sense of purpose through personal growth and professional development – empowering soldiers and civilian employees to be part of something greater than themselves and to be all they can be.”
House Concurrent Resolution 23 now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty
Representatives Newman and Bernie Willis submitted a letter of support in August urging President Trump to consider Ohio as one of the first states to receive federal funding outlined in Executive Order 14305 “Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty.”
“There has been a consistent alarm heard from law enforcement leaders that they do not have the equipment needed to address the risks presented by drones which will likely be the method of terrorist attacks in the future,” said Representative Newman. “We must get prepared to address those risks now. I was thankful to see President Trump take decisive action issuing his executive order on drone security. Now I hope Congress will act backing up that order with laws protecting Americans’ safety, privacy, and national security.”
The letter of support, signed by more than half of the Ohio Legislature, highlights Ohio’s longstanding leadership in aerospace innovation, defense manufacturing, robust network of military installations and defense industry partners, as well as how Ohio is a powerhouse in agriculture and food production – making the Buckeye State a prime candidate for this federal grant.
The Ohio House awaits further instruction from the federal government on this application.
To learn more about this executive order, click here.
House Bill 297 - Regards funds provided by county for Memorial Day expenses
Rep. Newman recently gave sponsor testimony on House Bill 297 - legislation that works to increase the amount that a county may provide to certain military organizations to assist in defraying Memorial Day expenses from $500 to $1,000.
Reps. Newman and John Introduce Legislation to help Courts Prosecute Human Traffickers
Representative Newman and Marilyn John introduced a bill this week that works to help courts prosecute human traffickers. The Representatives are eager to move this bill through the committee process and into law.
Troy High School Visit
 Rep. Newman would like to thank Superintendent Chris Piper and Troy School Board for the very enlightening and excellent report on the state of Troy Schools. He would also like to express his gratitude to the Troy Chamber of Commerce for coordinating this event.
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