Ohio House Overrides DeWine Veto on School Levy Restrictions

The Ohio House of Representatives voted to override one of Gov. Mike DeWine’s vetoes concerning property tax reforms, specifically restricting the use of emergency, replacement, and combined levies by school districts and local governments. The override passed with a narrow 61-28 vote, and the measure now moves to the Senate, where the timing of a vote remains uncertain. Republicans argue the changes empower homeowners and prevent automatic tax increases, while Democrats warn the restrictions will underfund schools and local services, urging state-funded solutions instead. This lone override was part of a broader, yet stalled, package of four property tax-related vetoes, with House leadership indicating plans to revisit the remaining vetoes in the fall. The debate highlighted political tensions, with some lawmakers making significant personal sacrifices to attend the special session, and critics calling the override a political stunt that won’t provide actual tax relief. Gov. DeWine has also appointed a property tax reform working group, aiming to provide further recommendations in the coming months.