Ohio GOP Lawmakers Propose 60% Threshold for Property Tax Levies Amid Opposition

Ohio lawmakers, led by State Representative Dave Thomas, are proposing legislation to raise the approval threshold for property tax levies from a simple majority to 60%, aiming to ensure that tax increases reflect broader community support amid rising property values. This proposal has sparked significant opposition from education advocates and local officials who warn it could harm public schools by making it harder to fund critical services, potentially leading to cuts in class offerings, transportation, and extracurricular activities. Critics argue the measure undermines majority rule and could disrupt carefully planned school district budgets, as county budget commissions would gain authority to reduce taxes if surpluses occur, complicating levy funding. Meanwhile, state budget talks reveal disagreements over property tax relief and school funding increases, with some lawmakers concerned that current proposals do not adequately address funding fairness or property tax burdens. The property tax issue has also fueled grassroots efforts to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot to abolish property taxes entirely, reflecting frustration with legislative inaction. Overall, the debate highlights tensions between the desire for property tax relief and the need to maintain stable funding for schools and community services.