Lorain Times

State Representative Gayle Manning, a Republican from North Ridgeville, has played a role in passing legislation aimed at easing the property tax burden for certain Ohio residents. The bill, passed on Tuesday, introduces two enhanced homestead exemptions targeting disabled veterans and seniors.

Ohio has long had homestead exemptions in place. However, with property taxes steadily rising, many vulnerable residents face challenges in affording their tax bills. House Bill 274 seeks to address this issue by providing additional relief to those who have lived in their homes for over 20 years. Under the new bill, eligible homeowners can be exempted from $50,000 of their home's value—double the current relief available through the general homestead exemption.

For disabled veterans, the existing $50,000 enhanced exemption will now be adjusted according to inflation rates.

"When property values increase, but incomes do not, it places a significant burden on residents," said Manning, who co-sponsored the legislation. "This bill is a step in the right direction to provide some relief from climbing property taxes, especially for the most vulnerable."

To qualify for this enhancement, homeowners must meet certain criteria: they must either be 65 or older or at least 59 years old as surviving spouses of previous recipients and have an adjusted gross income of $38,600 or less.

The legislation will proceed to the Ohio Senate for further review and consideration.