(The Center Square) – Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is turning to working groups to develop strategies in two areas.
With the state eyeing property tax reform and proposals to limit what can be bought with SNAP benefits, DeWine hopes the two groups can develop new policies in both areas.
DeWine announced the property tax reform group when he vetoed property tax provisions in the new state budget, saying the legislature went too far and could cause issues for schools and other organizations funded mainly through property taxes.
“As property values have increased in Ohio over the last decade, the resulting property tax increases have strained many family budgets and challenged the financial security of many on fixed incomes,” DeWine previously said in a statement. “Building upon previously expressed concerns and work done at many levels of government, I am forming this Property Tax Reform Working Group to issue concrete recommendations for meaningful property tax reforms that address the needs of property owners, are affordable to our state budget, and protect local schools and other services.”
The group, led by former legislators Bill Seitz and Pat Tiberi, consists of three county commissioners, two school superintendents, a mayor, a county treasurer and two county auditors.
It does not contain any members of the general public or nongovernment officials who own property in the state.
DeWine charged the property tax group with reporting concrete proposals by Sept. 30. The group plans to meet for the first time Thursday.
The second working group is expected to develop recommendations on a federal waiver that would allow Ohio to stop people from using SNAP benefits to buy drinks that have minimal nutritional value that contribute to obesity, diabetes and hypertension.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has to approve the ban.
That group consists of three state agency directors, a former director, the executive director of the Ohio Beverage Association, and representatives of other retail trade groups, health care, and businesses.
As with the property tax group, it does not include members of the general public or anyone who receives SNAP benefits.
The waiver group’s first meeting is also scheduled for Thursday.
