Last week, the OMA Tax Committee delved into an emerging ballot issue to eliminate property taxes in Ohio via a constitutional amendment. If the popular measure is approved by voters, lawmakers at the Statehouse would need to act quickly to fill a funding hole of more than $20 billion for schools, libraries, transit agencies and other services funded predominantly property tax revenue.

In response to the proposed amendment, the Cleveland Plain Dealer did a deep dive into the largest tax expenditures on the books. The largest: a tax exemption for property used in manufacturing, worth nearly $5 billion over the next two years, according to the article.

The Ohio Capital Journal this week reported on the status of the ballot campaign that could be headed to voters in 2026. In the story, Ohio Speaker of the House Matt Huffman mentions overwhelming voter support for the possible ballot measure.

Manufacturers have a strong vested interest in the ballot issue. The matter will be discussed at the upcoming meeting of the OMA Government Affairs Committee on Tuesday, Sept. 30. 9/16/2025