Ohio House GOP Budget Proposal Sparks Debate Over Education Funding and Tax Relief - Update: April 03, 2025
Balancing Taxpayer Savings with School Needs Update: April 03, 2025 The Ohio House GOP’s budget proposal, unveiled on April 1, 2025, continues to spark heated debate over its $226 million allocation for K-12 public schools. Republicans frame it as a practical victory, increasing funding from current levels while prioritizing taxpayer relief. Finance Chair Brian Stewart, speaking at an April 1 press conference reported on April 2, 2025, said, “Ohioans at this point in 2025 are much more concerned about their property tax bill than their income tax bill,” defending the budget’s focus on property tax relief as a response to voter priorities ( News 5 Cleveland ). He highlighted a 25% cap on school carry-over funds to prevent excess reserves, arguing it keeps money in taxpayers’ pockets ( News 5 Cleveland ). On April 2, WOUB reported that House Speaker Matt Huffman praised the plan for avoiding “massive tax increases” proposed by Governor DeWine, positioning it as a leaner, more efficient a...