Hamilton County, State Legislators Make Clear How State Can Address Skyrocketing Property Taxes

COLUMBUS - State Reps. Dani Isaacsohn (D-Cincinnati) and Rachel Baker (D-Cincinnati) were joined by Hamilton County Auditor Jessica E. Miranda, Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece, and other elected officials at a press conference Thursday addressing the need for the state to take action and reduce skyrocketing property taxes in Ohio.

"Property taxes are way too high for way too many people. Ohioans deserve relief from their legislature, and they need it now. We have solutions that are bipartisan and will help people who are hurting, so now it's up to Republican leadership to pass the bills by the end of the year," said Rep. Isaacsohn.

"Targeted property tax relief is critical to help workers, families, and senior citizens. We have a choice at the Statehouse to solve this property tax issue and make sure the elderly can keep their homes, young couples can afford to own a home and Ohio's strong communities remain intact. I implore my colleagues to work together to address this issue that matters to all Ohioans," said Rep. Baker.

The elected officials outlined their commitment to aid and support to those impacted by the new valuations and will advocate for legislative action in Columbus to aid seniors and homeowners with rising costs.

"Let's be clear: property taxes are too high, and this is a direct result of choices made by state lawmakers," said Hamilton County Auditor Jessica E. Miranda. "For over two decades, certain Republican politicians in Columbus have systematically shifted responsibility for funding essential services away from the state and onto our local communities, and therefore, onto our property owners. The people of Ohio deserve better, and these legislators should be held accountable."

House Democrats have introduced bipartisan legislation to help Ohio's lower their property taxes:

• HB 60 (Troy) - Expands the homestead exemption to cover an additional 75,000 seniors and raises its value to $40,000, providing nearly $250M in targeted relief.
• HB 263 (Isaacsohn/Hall) - Freezes over $400M in property taxes for over 700,000 seniors making $50K or less.
• HB 274 (Dell'Aquila/Matthews) - For individuals who qualify and have owned their homes for more than 20 years, this bill increases the exemption from $26,200 to $50,000.
• HB 645 (Isaacsohn/Hall) - Legislation that provides a $1K property tax rebate to help more Ohioans afford their tax bills, targeting $1B in tax relief to over 1.3M middle-class homeowners and renters after their tax payments exceed 5% of their income.