Buckeye taxpayers have been signaled as the first priority for new Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens, as House Bill 1 would reduce and flatten the state income tax rate. The proposed 2.75% rate would make Ohio’s income tax lower than neighboring Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. In fact, that rate would be the second-lowest […]
Category Archives: Economy & Innovation
Enact Universal Licensing Recognition and Grow Ohio’s Workforce
As the Ohio General Assembly prepares to adjourn for the holidays, workers continue to be burdened by needless barriers to employment. With bills pending in both the House and Senate, legislators can remedy labor shortages by enacting laws recognizing out-of-state business licenses. The Ohio workforce is currently plagued by overbearing licensure regulations, pushing workers away, […]
How Ohio Taxpayers Can Win Late in Legislative Session
There are a number of great policy proposals alive in the state legislature as 2022 winds down. Whether it is expanding the labor force and the economy with universal occupational licensing recognition, or improving the criminal justice system with commonsense tweaks, legislators have a chance to achieve victories before the year ends. Though, these opportunities […]
Ohio Sports Betting Bill Is Getting into Competitive Shape
Neighboring states better watch out as Ohio’s proposed sports betting bill is in good shape, and may even improve. On taxes, Senate Bill 176 is ultra competitive, with a 10% tax rate on bets. Tax rates around 15% and up reduce betting activity. This keeps consumers in the black market, where proceeds can go to […]
Ohio Legislators Keep Focus on Job-Creating Occupational Licensing Reforms
Senate Bill 131, sponsored by Sen. Kristina Roegner and Sen. Rob McColley, along with its companion House Bill 203 by Rep. Jena Powell, would enact occupational license reciprocity. Under these bills, individuals who hold out-of-state occupational licenses (e.g. electricians, truck drivers, public accountants, etc.) would be recognized in Ohio if the individual is in good […]
Letter: Ohio Should Seize Opportunity to Pass Universal Licensing Recognition
To: Members of the Ohio Senate Re: ATR Supports Senate Bill 246 Dear Senator, On behalf of Americans for Tax Reform and our supporters across the Buckeye State, I encourage you to support and pass Senate Bill 246, to bring universal licensing recognition to Ohio. Government should not place unnecessary barriers between workers and jobs. […]
What Are the Odds Sports Betting Passes?
Ohio can see the finish line on legalizing sports betting. But with differences in the House and Senate versions of the bill, should you bet on it passing? Even though both bills have bipartisan support, along with casinos, the main issue between the two bills is regarding how the state should regulate the new industry. […]
License to Thrill: Chance for More Great Occupational Licensing Reforms in Columbus
Perhaps the best occupational licensing reform package in the nation passed in Ohio late last year. Republicans in the legislature are not resting on their laurels, and new solid licensing reform bills are alive and advancing. This week, Representative Jena Powell highlighted her legislation, co-sponsored with Representative Lang, which would bring full licensing reciprocity to […]
Ohio Finally Has a Budget, Delivering Income Tax Cuts & Regulatory Reform for Taxpayers
Governor Mike DeWine signed a new two-year budget into law on Thursday, bringing an extended budget process to an end. Ohio taxpayers watching the drama unfold were likely on pins and needles, with a number of key tax and economic policies on the negotiating table. So how did it all shake out? For the most […]
Nation-leading Regulatory Reform Passes Senate, House Should Support
A ground-breaking regulatory reform package, Senate Bill 1, sailed through Ohio’s upper chamber last week. The bill requires state agencies to reduce regulations by 30 percent. It requires two regulations be cut for every new regulation introduced. It is largely focused on legislative review, and providing accountability for bureaucracy. Agencies will have to review and […]