1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

When the Ohio Legislature meets on Monday, please don’t vote to override Gov DeWine’s veto of these provisions: - the provision giving county budget commissions the authority to unilaterally reduce a levy passed by voters for a school district or other local government entity, allowing them to override the will of the voters. -the provision requiring many types of levies to be included in the 20-mill floor calculation used for school funding. This would significantly reduce many districts' ability to fund their school programs. - the provision banning replacement levies and several other types of levies which schools depend on to meet their funding needs, such as emergency levies. These measures would reduce the ability of schools and local governments to raise the funds they need. They would lead to reductions in school programs, emergency services, road and bridge maintenance, and other essential services local residents rely on. Local governments and school districts are already struggling with funding losses and higher costs. If the Legislature is going to reduce their ability to raise revenue, it is the Legislature's responsibility to provide alternate funding. It is unconscionable to limit local funding mechanisms at the same time that they are refusing to provide adequate state funding. Ohio wants REAL property tax reform, such as a property tax circuit breaker that would provide relief to those who need it most. It must be carefully planned to maximize the benefits and minimize the harms. These piecemeal measures will do more harm than good.