Buckeye Reporter

This week, Nikki Cooper, the Director of Government Relations for OBRT, participated in a panel from the business community to testify before the Joint Committee on Property Tax Review and Reform. The organization aims to advocate for policies that enhance Ohio's economic and workforce development while reducing barriers for businesses. They seek to foster an environment conducive to business investment and growth within the state as well as global competition.

In their testimony, OBRT emphasized Ohio’s tax level and complexity as significant challenges to economic competitiveness. The organization has been a proponent of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, acknowledging the necessity to address demands from a growing workforce across various parts of Ohio. Rising interest rates have added financial strain on residents, further discouraged by increasing property tax rates.

OBRT highlighted that addressing property tax issues could support families and promote economic growth in local communities. Such policy changes could also facilitate housing solutions necessary for accommodating workforce demands in different regions of Ohio.