GOP tax bill would cut $1.7 billion from Ohio schools -

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio Republicans unveiled a plan Wednesday to erase $1.7 billion in school property taxes over the next three years.

They say this idea, added into House Bill 186, gives real relief to homeowners hit hardest by rising home values. And it aims to get ahead of a looming ballot initiative that could eliminate property taxes in 2026.

But it would apply mostly to rural school districts with low tax rates.

“We need to directly respond to them,” said Rep. Dave Thomas, an Ashtabula County Republican. “At least show we realize the past five years were wrong.”

Democrats understand the urgency but say this plan would destabilize school budgets since districts plan years in advance.

“They may have labor contracts built into anticipated revenue. They may have capital improvements