AFP-OH Testifies in Support of Flat Tax, Fiscal Responsibility in Senate Budget Plan
Columbus, OH – Today, Americans for Prosperity–Ohio (AFP-OH) State Director Donovan O’Neil delivered proponent testimony before the Ohio Senate Finance Committee in support of Senate Substitute House Bill 96, praising lawmakers for including a flat 2.75% personal income tax and demonstrating a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility.
AFP-OH State Director Donovan O’Neil released the following statement:
“The budget is more than just numbers—it’s a reflection of Ohio’s values. This version of HB 96 sends a clear message: Ohio is serious about fiscal responsibility and is positioning itself to lead the Midwest—and the nation—in economic opportunity.
“Opponents claim a flat tax only benefits the wealthy, but that tired talking point doesn’t hold up. It’s Ohio’s working class—teachers, truck drivers, nurses, mechanics, and retail managers—who stand to benefit most from a simpler, fairer tax code. These folks aren’t rich—they’re trying to build a future and are being penalized by a system that assumes they can give more.
“This budget delivers meaningful reform: it lowers income taxes for all, reins in spending, eliminates carveouts, and improves transparency in how local levies are structured and passed. It favors taxpayers over special interests and puts Ohio on a strong path to eliminating the income tax altogether.
“We urge the Senate to pass this legislation and send it back to the House so Ohio can continue its march toward becoming the best state in the country to live, work, and raise a family.”
AFP-OH also applauded the Senate’s effort to cut $5.7 billion in spending compared to the executive’s original request—building on the House’s earlier proposal to reduce the budget by $4.2 billion.
Other key provisions AFP-OH supports in the budget include:
- Expansion of the homestead exemption for seniors and low-income homeowners
- Tools for county budget commissions to responsibly reduce excessive levy collections
- Greater transparency and safeguards in local tax levies
- Elimination of special-interest tax credits like the Film & Theater Production Tax Credit and the political contribution tax credit
Background:
AFP-OH Applauds Ohio Senate Budget Plan That Moves State to Flat 2.75% Income Tax
AFP-OH Launches “Save Our Salary” Campaign to Support 2.75% Flat Tax for Ohio
AFP-OH Advances Flat Tax Push In The Ohio Senate Finance Committee
AFP-OH Reacts To House Budget Proposal in Sub HB96
AFP-OH Releases New Study on Benefits of Pro-Growth Tax Reform
