State Rep. Jena Powell | The Ohio House of Representatives
State Rep. Jena Powell | The Ohio House of Representatives
Mahoning County State Representative Lauren McNally, alongside Mahoning County Commissioners, held a press conference to address the issue of rising property taxes in Ohio. Rep. McNally highlighted the state's failure to adequately fund public schools as a significant factor contributing to increased tax burdens on homeowners.
Rep. McNally stated, “The state has long neglected to properly fund Ohio’s public schools. Over the past decade, the state has shifted funding away from our local communities to benefit wealthy private schools.” She emphasized that this shift forces communities to rely on school levies more frequently than any other state, impacting seniors and middle-class families who face difficult choices regarding their homes and children's education.
Mahoning County Commissioners expressed gratitude for Rep. McNally's focus on this pressing issue. Commissioner Anthony Traficanti remarked, “We hear it every single day, inflation is out of control and many throughout our state and county are living on a fixed income.” He noted the lack of representation for those struggling with increased taxes.
Commissioner David Ditzler added that state legislatures have had opportunities to mitigate rising taxes but have not taken sufficient action. Commissioner Carol Rimedio-Righetti called for legislative collaboration across Ohio's 88 counties, citing a 57% tax hike affecting Youngstown residents.
House Democrats have introduced several bipartisan bills aimed at alleviating property tax burdens:
- HB 60 (Troy) proposes expanding the homestead exemption for an additional 75,000 seniors.
- HB 263 (Isaacsohn/Hall) seeks to freeze over $400 million in property taxes for seniors earning $50K or less.
- HB 274 (Dell’Aquila/Matthews) aims to increase exemptions for long-term homeowners.
- HB 645 (Isaacsohn/Hall) offers a $1K property tax rebate targeting relief for middle-class homeowners and renters.
These measures reflect ongoing efforts by elected officials to support affected residents and advocate for legislative solutions in Columbus.
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