COLUMBUS, Ohio — In a state where property taxes have become a heavy burden for homeowners, a grassroots movement is gaining momentum, challenging a system that forces seniors and veterans to leave their homes. During a short but pivotal meeting, the Ohio Election Commission unanimously approved a proposed constitutional amendment that abolishes property taxes. This move paves the way for the organization “Citizens for Property Tax Reform” to begin collecting signatures to put the question on the November ballot, threatening a multi-billion dollar revenue stream that funds schools, police, and communities across the state.
Grassroots Movement: Citizens Take Initiative
“Distraught, distraught, distraught,” — this is how Betty Blackmar, an activist from Lakewood and one of the campaign leaders, describes her state the day after the election commission’s decision. Her words reflect not only tension but also determination. “We have to move forward — and quickly,” she adds with a tired smile. For Blackmar and her allies, this is not just a political fight but a matter of justice. “Elderly people who have paid off their homes should not be forced to leave because of taxes,” she insists, citing examples in New Jersey and Texas where veteran and senior citizen benefits are significantly more generous.
The organization represented by Blackmar received the green light to collect signatures — at least 415,000, or 10% of the turnout in the last gubernatorial election, with additional requirements in 44 districts. In practice, the campaign aims to gather twice as many signatures to safeguard against possible dismissals. “We’ll start next week,” Blackmar promises. “This is a volunteer movement, with no big money, just people who believe in change.” Her words are confirmed by sources close to the campaign: unlike many initiatives, there are no paid signature gatherers here, only enthusiasts, many of whom are retirees working “out of their own pockets.”
A Crumbling System
Property taxes in Ohio are not just figures in the budget but a source of pain for many. According to the Ohio Department of Taxation, in 2023 they brought in $18.5 billion — twice the income tax and a billion more than sales tax. But over the past five years, the estimated value of real estate has increased by nearly 40%, and tax collections by 21%, forcing homeowners to pay increasingly more. “This is an unfair system,” Blackmar asserts. “Legislators had decades to fix it, but they only patch the holes.”
Critics, however, are sounding the alarm. Abolishing the tax would leave a huge hole in local budgets. Schools, which in cities like Cleveland receive up to 80% of their funding from property taxes, could face mass layoffs. Police, fire services, libraries, and parks would also be at risk. “It’s like pulling the foundation out from under a house,” says Alison Russo, minority leader in the Ohio House of Representatives. “The proposal reflects people’s frustration but does not offer how to replace these funds.”
Blackmar acknowledges the problem but insists: abolishing the tax will force lawmakers to look for alternatives, such as income taxes on school districts or redistributing other revenues. “Republicans are afraid of tax hikes, but they can’t hide behind this excuse forever,” she says, hinting at political inertia that has been hampering reforms for years.
Lawmakers Under Pressure
The decision by the election commission was a cold shower for Ohio’s legislature, where Republicans dominate but avoid radical changes. House Speaker Matt Huffman tasked Representative David Thomas with developing a bill to lower property taxes, but progress is slow. “We want to do it right,” Thomas assures, though sources in Columbus say Republicans are wary of losing support from local governments reliant on these taxes.
Governor Mike DeWine expressed concern, calling the abolition of the tax a “moral challenge.” “Who will pay for schools? For police?” he asked at a recent press conference, urging campaign initiators to propose a plan. But Blackmar and her team are not backing down. “We’re not saying there won’t be schools,” she responds. “We’re saying the system must work for people, not against them.”
According to insiders, Blackmar’s campaign is already applying pressure on legislators. Some in the Capitol are considering rushing a bill to offer voters an alternative before November, trying to weaken support for the amendment. “They’re afraid the tower they’ve built for decades will collapse,” Blackmar says with a faint smile. “And they’re right.”
Power in the Hands of Voters
For Ohio, a state where economic hardship and an aging population only exacerbate the tax problem, this campaign is more than political fighting. It is a matter of dignity for those like Blackmarr, who see neighbors losing their homes because of unaffordable bills. “We are returning power to the people,” she declares, resonating with thousands of volunteers ready to knock on doors and persuade voters.
Months of intense work lie ahead. Signature gathering, according to organizers, will test not only logistics but also community faith. If the initiative makes it onto the ballot, it will pose a decisive question for Ohioans: Are they ready to dismantle the old system without knowing what will come next? For Blackmar, the answer is simple: “It all depends on voters. They will decide what the future will be.” While volunteers prepare to hit the streets, Ohio stands on the brink of either a major battle to maintain the status quo or change.
