Hicks-Hudson Votes Against Veto Override that Undermines Local Governments and Schools

Today, state Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo) voted against the override of Governor DeWine’s veto of a provision to restrict the ability of communities to put levies for schools and local services before voters under the guise of tax relief. Senate Democrats have introduced bills that provide actual property tax relief, including a property tax circuit breaker, an expansion of the homestead exemption, and freezing property taxes for qualifying homeowners.

“The majority’s vote will significantly alter how communities fund critical local services like schools, libraries, and mental health boards,” said Hicks-Hudson. “And is another example of overreach—limiting local control and undermining voter-approved funding mechanisms.”

The provision will strip local communities, schools, and libraries of their ability to clearly present certain replacement and emergency levies to their voters, and will block voters from deciding whether to raise funds for services like schools, fire departments, and libraries. Overriding this veto provides no actual property tax relief and instead shifts the responsibility to provide relief from the state to our local communities.