Don’t Sign the AxOHTax Petition — and Help Us Stop It

You may have seen people collecting signatures to eliminate property taxes in Ohio. Before you sign — or before someone you know does — it’s important to understand what is really at stake for public education.

The petition, called AxOHTax, would permanently ban property taxes in Ohio if it passes. While it’s being promoted as tax relief, the impact on schools and communities would be severe.

Property taxes are the largest source of local school funding in Ohio. In FY 2024, Ohio’s 611 public school districts collected approximately $13 billion in property taxes statewide, often more than 60% of local operating revenue for some school districts. This funding pays for teachers, support staff, classroom supplies, building operations, and student programs. Eliminating that revenue with no credible replacement plan would be devastating. 

This threat comes as the state continues to shrink its share of school funding. Since 1997 — the same year the Ohio Supreme Court ruled the state’s school funding system unconstitutional — the state has dropped its contribution from about 44% to 37%, with proposals to cut it even further. Over that same period, statewide property tax collections have more than doubled, from roughly $9.7 billion to $22.6 billion, and local communities have had to rely heavily on property taxes to fill the gap; the state left behind.

AxOHTax would eliminate the revenue source Ohio’s communities have been forced to depend on — without any plan for what comes next. The result would not be tax relief–it would larger class sizes, staff cuts, school closures, and fewer programs for Ohio’s students.

Property taxes also fund libraries, fire and EMS services, counties, and townships. Eliminating them would cost approximately $24 billion annually in lost revenue, nearly equal to Ohio’s entire General Revenue Fund. There is no realistic way for the state to replace that funding.  

What you can do:

• Decline to sign the AxOHTax petition.
• Visit OEA’s Protect Ohio Schools website for more information, including talking points, FAQ’s sample emails and social media posts, and resources. https://www.ohea.org/protect-ohio-schools/
• Share this information with colleagues, neighbors, and family.
• Stay engaged as OEA continues to lead the opposition.
• Sign up for an OEA Town Hall to learn more about the Protect Ohio Schools Campaign. [Link}

Our students, schools, and communities are worth protecting. Thank you for standing with us to Protect Ohio Schools.