Cutrona Champions Property Tax Relief and Affordability
COLUMBUS—Senator Al Cutrona (R-Canfield) and the Ohio Senate passed a multitude of legislation which secure our elections, protect against fraud, and lessen the economic burden on Ohioans.
Senator Cutrona cosponsored House Bill 479, which included several provisions designed to help Ohioans facing economic burdens. One such measure is property tax relief for Ohioans most in need, with $350 million going to Homestead exemption recipients. The roughly 710,000 recipients will receive an estimated $450 property tax credit to their January 2027 statement. This legislation directly assists in combating property tax hikes for our elderly population, particularly those on fixed incomes.
Another provision included in HB 479 is the expansion of the Sales Tax Holiday. The Legislature approved $320 million to expand the Sales Tax Holiday to 15 days in August of 2027. This will allow Ohioans to purchase products during the back-to-school rush without paying sales tax. This Sales Tax Holiday is a critical relief which will put money back into the pockets of Ohioans.
“At a time when Ohio families are stretching every dollar, our focus should be on passing legislation that lowers costs, removes unnecessary burdens, and makes everyday life more affordable for the people we serve,” said Senator Cutrona. “Ohioans don’t need government making life more expensive—they need policies that put more money back in their pockets. Every piece of legislation should be measured by whether it helps families afford to live, work, and succeed in our state.”
HB 467 also grants the Post-Traumatic Stress Fund Commission the ability to appropriate available funds in the future, including the $40 million which will be transferred into the fund upon enactment. This funding will allow Ohio to invest in those who have put their lives on the line to serve and protect Ohioans.
Additionally, HB 497 authorized the payment of $875 million to Skilled Nursing Facilities. The cost of this appropriation is split between Ohio, which will spend $310 million, and the Federal Government, which will spend $565 million.
“This payment will directly go to support our most vulnerable populations in the state and is a true testament to our commitment to Ohio’s aging generations,” Cutrona added.
Among the legislation passed was Senate Bill 315, which enacts common-sense reforms to combat Medicaid fraud in the state. The legislation enables Medicaid recipients to continue to receive services while installing additional safeguards and reporting mechanisms to minimize fraudulent activity.
“Allowing bad actors to exploit a system that is utilized and relied upon by millions will not be tolerated in this state by any means,” said Cutrona.
Senator Cutrona was a proud cosponsor of House Bill 472, which closes the photo ID loophole for mail-in ballots.
Lastly, among the legislation passed on Wednesday was Senate Bill 52, which included a provision to rename a portion of State Route 7 in Mahoning County as the Clarence "Sonny" Smith Jr. Memorial Highway.
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