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A grassroots campaign to abolish property taxes in Ohio has taken a major step forward with official approval of its ballot initiative summary by the state Attorney General.
The campaign to eliminate property taxes in Ohio reached a key milestone this week as Attorney General Dave Yost approved the language of a proposed constitutional amendment submitted by two grassroots organizations: Ohio Citizens for Property Tax Reform and the Committee to Eliminate Property Taxes in Ohio.
Titled the “Abolishment of Taxes on Real Property”, the amendment would add Section 14 to Article XII of the Ohio Constitution and aims to fully eliminate property taxes a major source of local government funding across the state.
“Having carefully examined this submission, I conclude that the title and summary are fair and truthful statements of the proposed constitutional amendment,” Yost wrote in a letter to petitioners.
What the Amendment Proposes
If passed, the amendment would:
- Abolish all taxes on real property in Ohio.
- Modify the structure of property-related billing, with potential special provisions for senior citizens over 65.
- Provide tax relief or full exemptions for elderly residents.
However, the amendment does not propose any alternative funding mechanisms to replace revenue lost from the elimination of property taxes which currently support public schools, infrastructure, police, and fire services.
The Road to the Ballot
To appear on a statewide ballot, the measure must:
- Pass review by the Ohio Ballot Board, confirming whether it constitutes a single amendment.
- Collect valid signatures from registered voters equal to 10% of votes cast in the last gubernatorial election (~413,000 based on 2022 figures).
- Obtain qualifying signatures from at least 44 of Ohio’s 88 counties, with 5% of the vote in each of those counties.
If enough valid signatures are submitted at least 65 days before an election, and if more than 125 days have passed since filing, the amendment could appear on the next general election ballot.
Who’s Behind the Movement?
The Ohio Citizens for Property Tax Reform, a non-partisan advocacy group based in Cuyahoga County, describes its mission as combating “skyrocketing taxes” and advocating for “greater transparency and relief for homeowners.” The group’s campaign appeals strongly to retirees, fixed-income families, and rural homeowners.
Still, critics warn that eliminating property taxes could destabilize school funding and local public services unless lawmakers create new revenue sources.
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