 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.
We Are Addressing Property Taxes
Ohio House Republicans have championed several pieces of property tax legislation - including House Bills 129, 186, and 309 - which have been signed into law and work to curb tax hikes and deliver direct property tax relief to Ohioans.
House Bill 186 will save Ohio property owners nearly $1.7 billion over the next three years by establishing a new Inflation Cap Credit that prevents increases in school district property taxes from exceeding the rate of inflation. The initiative also includes an appropriation holding Ohio school districts harmless for actual losses over this appraisal period compared to their current property tax collections, which will help schools that are not up for reappraisal or reevaluation this year offset any actual revenue losses. Ohioans will begin to see relief through this credit as early as June 2026.
Members of the House also approved changes in the bill that would update the owner-occupancy tax credit, a move that will provide more than $800 million in relief to Ohio homeowners over the next four years. The bill phases out the nonbusiness credit – except for agricultural property owners – and expands the owner-occupancy tax credit. Ohioans will begin to see relief through the expansion of the OCC in January 2027.
House Bill 129 implements a check on tax hikes by counting emergency, substitute, incremental growth, conversion levies and the property tax portion of combined levies toward the 20-mill floor – closing loopholes and slowing tax spikes. This measure ultimately lifts 237 districts off the 20-mill floor over the next four years.
The bill also provides a new alternative levy option. School districts with an existing emergency or substitute levy may renew these levies indefinitely as a “fixed sum levy.” The bill also allows schools on fiscal distress, as designated by the Auditor of State, or under a disaster declaration to levy a new one-time 5-year “fixed sum levy” to cover current expenses. These options provide additional flexibility for school districts.
House Bill 309 slashes unnecessary collections by expanding the county budget commission’s authority to modify levies and trim unnecessarily high millage rates, shielding Ohioans from overly excessive tax bills.
The Miami County Commissioners and Budget Commission along with these school district and municipality leaders voted to put HB 309 into action, decreasing local levies.
Celebrating with Isaiah's Place
I was delighted to present this commendation to Isaiah’s Place in Troy, upon the grand opening of their new expansion. This non-profit organization does outstanding work providing Christian based foster care services with excellence. Thank you to Bob Lybarger and staff for the important work you do for families in Miami County and beyond.
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