AFP-OH Applauds Final Passage of Substitute House Bill 96
Flat Tax, Property Tax Reform, ESAs, and Regulatory Relief Mark Major Wins for Ohioans
COLUMBUS, OH – Americans for Prosperity–Ohio (AFP-OH) today applauded the General Assembly for passing Substitute House Bill 96, sending a transformative state budget to the governor’s desk to be signed into law. The budget delivers on long-standing priorities that put Ohio families first—from a flat income tax and property tax transparency to education savings accounts and regulatory reform.
AFP-OH State Director Donovan O’Neil released the following statement:
“With the passage of this budget, Ohio takes a bold step toward becoming the most free and prosperous state in the country. Lawmakers delivered meaningful wins for families by flattening the income tax, empowering every parent with education savings accounts, restoring accountability in local property taxes, and reining in unnecessary regulations. Just as important, they did it without raising taxes and while demonstrating real spending restraint. We commend the 136th General Assembly for delivering a budget that respects taxpayers and expands opportunity.”
Key Wins in Substitute House Bill 96:
Flat 2.75% Income Tax
A pro-growth tax policy that simplifies the code, returns more money to Ohioans, and makes the state more competitive.
Property Tax Reform
Includes the elimination of so-called emergency and replacement levies, rolls existing levies into the “20-mill floor,” and strengthens county budget commissions to restore local accountability and transparency.
Education Savings Accounts for Non-Charter, Non-Public School Families
Expands access to education freedom by providing ESAs to the last group of Ohio families still denied financial support.
No Tax Increases
Protects families and small businesses from additional burdens during uncertain economic times.
Meaningful Regulatory Reform
Incorporates key provisions of the REINS Act to reduce red tape, enhance JCARR scrutiny of economically harmful rules, and increase legislative oversight.
AFP-OH mobilized activists statewide in support of these reforms and will continue advocating for policies that expand freedom, reduce barriers, and put Ohioans first.
