By Brian Massie, A Watchman on the Wall, An Independent Populist
Representative Dan Troy responded to an email sent by an LFC reader regarding concerns about the ever-increasing property taxes.
Democrat State Representative
Daniel P. Troy – District 23
Thank you for contacting me about rising property taxes.
I have felt for years that there needs to be a more transparent process, and that the system we do have is certainly unfair. That is why I proposed creating a Joint Committee on Property Tax Review and Reform. My colleagues agreed with me that Ohio’s property tax system needs to be studied, and this committee was formed last January.
Just having experienced our six-year re-appraisal in our district, I have heard more uproar from the citizens on this rather than any other issue. Historically high percentage increases have caused considerable anger and fear over their ability to make ends meet when the bills for those increases come due in 2025. There is a great outcry on this issue for policy makers to do something. However the State Legislature get there, I believe that we have to separate the fact that increases in the value of what is probably the major investment (owning a home) one makes in their life automatically results in higher property tax bills.
I am concerned about the sudden increase in property taxes, and I have proposed legislation to decrease property taxes for those who most need relief. The GOP Supermajority has not moved my bill out of committee. Additionally, the State Legislature has shifted the costs of essential government services from the State of Ohio Government to local governments. This tax shifting has caused local governments to raise revenue by means of property taxes.
The Legislature should seriously consider measures like HB 645 that creates an income tax credit that targets up to $1,000 in relief to those whose property tax bill, or rent payment, exceeds 5% of their income. We should also analyze innovative circuit breakers being utilized in other states to assess their possible conformity and suitability to Ohio’s property tax code.
Rather than provide funding to people who need property tax relief, the Ohio Legislature has chosen instead to continue to cut income and corporate taxes that tend to benefit those that need the help the least. We should be using those dollars to help ease the burden of higher property taxes on those struggling to pay them.
Again, thank you for bringing your views on this matter to my attention.
Sincerely,
State Representative Daniel P. Troy
House District 23
77 South High Street, 10th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
LFC comments: Representative Troy is one of the few Representatives that understands Ohio’s property tax laws.
We highly recommend that all Lake County citizens should send a S.O.S. (Save Our Seniors) letter to Representative Troy demanding that the property tax laws are changed NOW.
Here is a link to contact Representative Troy:
https://ohiohouse.gov/members/daniel-p-troy/contact
For our readers living in other Ohio counties, you should also contact your Representative and Senator.
If you are unsure of your State Representative follow this link:
This will take you to a website that you can enter your address and your State Representative’s name and picture will appear. Click on the district number and it will take you to the Representative’s webpage.
Here is a link to find your State Senator: https://www.ohiosenate.gov/
This will take you to a website that you can enter your address and your State Senator’s name and picture will appear. Click on the district number and it will take you to the Representative webpage.
Here is a suggested letter that can be mailed or emailed to your Senator or Representative:
(Suggested letter to Ohio Representatives and Senators regarding the ever-increasing property taxes)
[ Address]
Subject: Ohio Property Taxes
Dear _____________________:
The ever-increasing property taxes have created an untenable situation for most Ohio residents. This is a severe problem compounded by the recent inflationary gains in our property values.
This issue crosses all political lines, and economic status. The current system of property taxes is overly complex, taxing the residential homeowners and commercial property owners on unrealized gains, and is not sustainable.
We are requesting that the Ohio legislature make a serious attempt NOW to simplify the taxation system. Simply increasing the homestead exemption, or any other marginal attempt to solve the problem will not be acceptable. We suggest elimination of the taxation of unrealized gains and ensuring that those over 65 years of age are not taxed out of their homes that they have worked all their lives to achieve. For immediate relief, we request a rollback of the recent sexennial revaluation increases.
ANY TAX THAT CAUSES A CITIZEN TO BECOME HOMELESS IS IMMORAL!
Respectfully submitted,
Categories: Community Activism, Lake, Lake County - General, Real Estate Taxes, Uncategorized