By Brian Massie, A Watchman on the Wall
We finally have an Ohio Senator that will help Ohio’s seniors! Bravo, Senator Cutrona.
State Senator Al Cutrona (R-Canfield) introduced Senate Bill 206, to authorize a property tax reduction for certain owner-occupied homes.
“Providing property tax relief for older Ohioans decreases the stress placed on homeowners and allows our neighbors to stay in the communities they’ve invested so much into,” said Senator Cutrona. “Increased tax rates have the greatest negative impact on older citizens and those on a fixed income by taxing them out of their own home. With a higher than average elderly population, I have seen this occur across the 33rd district. I’m proud to introduce legislation that will combat rising taxes and allow Ohioans across the Valley and Eastern Ohio the ability to keep living the American dream of home ownership.”
Senate Bill 206 will provide a 50% reduction in property taxes for a homeowner who is 65 years or older during each tax year they apply for the reduction. The bill does not require an income threshold to be met in order for a homeowner to qualify.
The bill is currently waiting to be assigned to a committee for hearings.
Editorial comments by Brian Massie, A Watchman on the Wall
We have been told that the total local property taxes amounts to $20 billion per year. Of that amount seniors, over 65 years of age, pay $3 billion per year. So a 50% reduction for seniors would only cost the State of Ohio $1.5 billion. With a $100 billion annual budget 3% can be easily replaced.
To replace local property taxes for schools an increase of sales tax of 4.5% is needed.
Categories: Community Activism, Real Estate Taxes, State of Ohio, Uncategorized