Ohio Senate President Larry Obhof responded to Gov. John Kasich’s proposed tax cut package by saying he supports lowering state income tax rates but isn’t interested in “tax shifting” to get there.
The tax package, proposed as part of the state’s two-year budget, would cut income taxes 17 percent over two years. The cut is offset by raising the sales tax rate and applying it to more services, as well as raise taxes on wine and beer, tobacco products and oil and gas drillers.
The net result: a $39 million tax cut over two years.
“If we’re taking money out of your left pocket to put in your right without any benefit, that’s something we’ll have to discuss in the next six months,” Obhof said.
House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger made similar comments to reporters last week.
Obhof, a Medina Republican, was happy with the governor’s proposal to move from nine brackets to five. He has advocated for fewer income tax brackets as a way to simplify the tax system and thus make Ohio more attractive to businesses.
“Ultimately, what we’re focused on is net tax cuts for the most Ohioans possible and if we’re able to accomplish that that would be a great,” Obhof said.
Obhof made his comments after a press conference highlighting Senate Republicans’ priorities during the next two-year legislative session.
The House, which begins budget deliberations Wednesday, is expected to remove several pieces of Kasich’s proposal. It will change several times before the Senate has its turn in late spring.
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