Ohio Lawmakers Meet July 21 to Consider Overriding Dewine Vetoes on Property Tax, Education Funding

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine approved a $60 billion two-year state budget but issued 67 vetoes, many targeting property tax reforms and measures affecting public education funding. Key vetoes include blocking restrictions on school levies and property taxes, as well as requirements such as school board candidates listing political affiliations. Leaders from Ohio's largest urban school districts, organized as the Ohio 8 Coalition, strongly oppose attempts by the legislature to override these vetoes, warning that doing so would reduce funding for public schools and communities, undermine local control, and increase reliance on frequent local levies. The coalition highlights that the budget's current Fair School Funding Plan does not keep pace with inflation, potentially leading to inadequate resources for educating students. While district leaders appreciate some vetoes that protect public education funding, they emphasize the need for comprehensive property tax reform that fully funds public schools rather than diverting funds to charter and non-public schools. Governor DeWine expressed concerns that implementing all vetoed measures simultaneously would create significant problems for school funding and local governance.