DeWine Vetoes Budget Plan Restricting School Levies
In an effort to increase funding for schools and safeguard local revenues, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has vetoed a state budget provision that would have stripped school districts of several key property tax tools.
The veto blocks a measure that aimed to eliminate the authority of local entities to propose replacement property tax levies. It also would have barred school districts from placing fixed-sum emergency, substitute emergency, and combined income and fixed-sum levies on the ballot, mechanisms widely used to fund essential public services and education.
DeWine said the proposal would have jeopardized the long-term financial stability of schools and communities. “We must ensure that any changes to Ohio’s property tax system are thoughtfully developed and do not put local services at risk,” he said.
The governor acknowledged the broader need for property tax reform in Ohio. He announced plans to convene a working group of legislators, state officials, school leaders, tax experts, and community members to address the issue more comprehensively and collaboratively.
The Ohio House Democratic Caucus had urged DeWine to reject the levy restrictions, arguing they would “dramatically impact the ability of schools and local subdivisions to deliver vital services.”
In a letter to the governor, Democratic lawmakers criticized the budget’s approach, saying it relied on “gimmicks instead of targeted, need-based, state-funded property tax relief.”
DeWine’s veto signals his administration’s continued support for maintaining local control and ensuring reliable funding streams for Ohio’s schools and communities, even as the state considers larger tax reforms.
