by J.D. Davidson Three of four bills targeting rising property taxes in Ohio have been sitting in committees for more than a year without a vote or public opposition. And Ohio lawmakers have no plans to return to work until mid-November. That has Democratic leaders at the Statehouse pushing for immediate action. “House Democrats and local leaders have been fighting to lower property taxes and create a fairer system that doesn’t constantly rely on property owners to pick up the tab,” said House Minority Leader Allison Russo (pictured above), D-Upper Arlington. “We can lower our property taxes, reduce costs, and still support essential services by ensuring the state pays its fair share and returns more of our tax dollars to our community. It’s time for the state legislature to take action; Ohioans need help now.” Three of the four bills have bipartisan sponsorship, including the most recent – House Bill 645 that would give a $1,000 property tax rebate and $1 billion in tax relief to more than 1.3 million homeowners and renters after their tax payments exceed 5% of their income. That bill was recently introduced and has not been assigned to a committee. Three others, however, have…
Read the full storyTag: Ohioans
Ohio Gas Prices Continue to Tumble
Ohio gas prices continue to plummet, dropping more than 50 cents in the past month and more than $2 from an historical high two years ago.
According to the American Automobile Association, the state’s average price per gallon is $2.97 for the first time in nearly a year.
Read the full storyOhio Crisis Line Handles 14,000 Contacts Monthly
A hotline established to combat suicide in Ohio received nearly 340,000 communications in the two years since its launch.
Gov. Mike DeWine announced the two-year statistics for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, saying the service has grown to provide more call centers than any other state.
Read the full storyOhio Commits $30 Million for Affordable Housing
Nearly $30 million in taxpayer-funded grants are going to 17 Ohio local organizations to grow access to affordable housing across the state.
The money is the first round of the state’s new Welcome Home Ohio program, which is expected to spend $100 million over two years to help landbanks buy, rehabilitate or build residential properties for income-eligible people.
Read the full storyOhio Legislature Approves Bill to Secure Biden’s Spot on the November Ballot
The Ohio legislature on Friday approved legislation to ensure that President Joe Biden will appear on the state’s general election ballot this November.
“I don’t think anybody on this side of the aisle really feels like they’re going to be voting for President Biden, but at the same time, Ohioans deserve a choice in this election, and that’s what we’re seeking to give them today,” GOP state Sen. Rob McColley said, according to NBC News.
Read the full storyLawmakers Want to Address Name, Image, Likeness Law for All Ohioans
It’s not just college athletes’ name, image and likeness on the radar of the Ohio House of Representatives.
Normal Ohioans could receive protection from unauthorized use of their identities under a new bill that addresses the growing use of artificial intelligence.
Read the full storyThanksgiving Dinner Cheaper in Ohio than Rest of the Nation
Ohioans will pay less for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner this year than the rest of the nation.
The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation released its survey of prices for a shopping basket filled with a turkey, milk, pumpkin pie mix and the rest of the items that make a traditional Thanksgiving table to feed 10.
Read the full storyOhioans Could Be Allowed to Carry Weapons in Buildings with Courts
Local governments in Ohio could soon expand concealed carry laws and allow citizens to carry guns in courtrooms.
House Bill 272, which recently had its fourth hearing before the House Government Oversight Committee but has yet to be voted on, would allow local governments to create an exception to carry a deadline weapon into a building that contains a courtroom when court is not in session.
Read the full storyLawmakers Want Ohioans to Have the Right to Hunt, Fish
Two Ohio lawmakers worried hunting and fishing abilities could be stripped in the state want the rights enshrined in the state’s constitution.
Reps. Ron Ferguson, R-Wintersville, and Nick Santucci, R-Howland Township, want the House and Senate to pass joint resolutions to amend the state’s constitution to establish a constitutional right to hunt and fish.
Read the full storyOhio Gov. Mike DeWine Vetoes Bill That Would Have Allowed Ohioans to Shoot Off Fireworks on Certain Holidays
Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed a bill Friday that would have permitted Ohioans to legally shoot off fireworks on several holidays.
When Senate Bill (SB) 113 was introduced by Ohio State Senators Michael Rulli (R-Salem) and Terry Johnson (R-McDermott), the bill wanted to allow Americans to celebrate certain holidays legally, according to the Rulli press release.
Read the full story2020 Presidential Election Sets Records in Ohio
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R) held a press briefing at the Ohio State House on Tuesday to discuss the 2020 US Election.
“Way back in March and April we started to roll up our sleeves and figure out how are we going to run a Presidential Election in the midst of a pandemic. Obviously, this is an historic election. One unlike anything we’ve ever seen,” said LaRose.
Ohio boasts 4,000 poll locations and 56,000 poll volunteers and to handle the estimated 6 million voters – which would break a record according to LaRose.
Read the full story