It might be a couple weeks before we truly understand everything in the state budget that must be signed by Gov. John Kasich by Monday.

Some Republican legislators touted a 10 percent income tax and a 50 percent tax cut small businesses on the first $250,000 of net business income that was presented for the governor’s approval.

That’s good news for a lot of people, but there are some items in the budget that might dampen that enthusiasm.

For example, people who are 65 and older and/or permanently disabled and who don’t currently qualify for the Homestead Exemption for their property taxes would now face an income requirement to qualify in the future.

As part of the bill approved by the conference committee, property owners would need to earn less than $30,000 or the exemption that provides a shield on the first $25,000 of property valuation would be eliminated.

People who currently received the Homestead Exemption would be grandfathered, but it they were to move or to sell the property the exemption would not follow them.

Also, the budget would likely make it more difficult for schools and communities to pass new levies because a 10 tax reduction (also known as a rollback) for all property owners along with the 2.5 percent reduction for owner-occupied homes that the state currently provides would no longer be in place starting with the Nov. 5 election.

That means even with the same millage in place on new levies, taxpayers would essentially pay 12.5 percent more property tax due to the state change.

Local officials aren’t completely sure yet if the language applies to renewal or replacement levies that will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot and future elections.

For people who don’t earn much income, such as seniors and/or low-income households, the elimination of this property tax credit could be significant.

The budget proposal also contained a 0.25 percent increase in the state’s sales tax, so items that people buy will cost a little bit more.

When calculating these changes, the new tax policies could actually offset or cost many taxpayers more money overall then what they would receive through the 10 percent income tax reduction.

Regardless of one’s position on these potential changes, a beef I have is that these policy changes were brought to the table on Wednesday just as the Ohio General Conference Committee was putting together a final version for the governor to sign.

They weren’t part of the bill when the measure was under debate and discussion in the Ohio House of Representatives of Ohio Senate.

It’s possible after this column goes to press that the governor could have signed the bill and potentially vetoed some or all of these changes, but it’s the process I really question.

Important tax policy changes like these that will have significant impact on Ohio residents and they were not discussed in committee hearings where there is public input and there was little time for debate or analysis by a broader group of people.

I understand the state budget is always a work in progress until it is passed, but changes of this magnitude shouldn’t be rushed through without the proper public process.

State lawmakers should do better.

Kasich’s popularity

It was not that long ago that Kasich was one of the least popular governors in the country.

But a new poll released last week suggests the governor now enjoys his best approval rating yet.

According to a Quinnipiac University poll, Kasich enjoys a 54-32 percent job approval.

He also increased his lead to 47-33 percent over Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald, the likely Democratic challenger in the 2014 governor’s race.

Kasich also got a national writeup Thursday in Politico that suggested he could be a possible presidential candidate should he win re-election.

Event

Willoughby Hills Councilman David Fiebig hosts a free All American Family Picnic including a special guest from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Ohio, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 7 at Campbell Park in Willoughby Hills.

Fundies

Eastlake Mayor Ted Andrzejewski hosts his ninth annual golf outing, 8:30 a.m. shotgun start July 19 at Pine Ridge Golf Course in Wickliffe. See Andrzejewski.

Mentor on the Lake Councilwoman Desirea Thompson hosts a spaghetti dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 10 at Amvets Post 109 in Mentor on the Lake. See Desirea or John Thompson.


John Arthur Hutchison
JHutchison@News-Herald.com
Twitter: @newsheraldjah

Much has changed in just the past decade or so when it comes to conducting the election process in Ohio.

For some perspective, think back to the 2000 presidential election when the buzz words “hanging chads” emerged into our level of consciousness.

Counting presidential ballots in Florida that year essentially delayed the country from knowing on election night who the next president was as workers inspected ballots in Florida it brought in a level of fear and distrust with how the election process worked.

Not long afterward, legislators in Ohio decided that all voting equipment in the state needed to have a verifiable paper trail as a way to audit an election and to make sure that all votes would be counted accurately.

That message hit hard in Lake County as the Elections Board was forced to spend thousands of dollars on new voting equipment to accommodate this new state requirement.

Eventually other changes in state law were enacted to make it easier and to provide more opportunities for people to cast their ballots.

No-fault absentee voting was allowed and it gave registered voters the chance to cast a ballot prior to election day for any reason and they no longer had to specify why they couldn't vote at the polls.

A ratio approved as state law in 2006 and effective this year required a voting machine to be available for every 175 registered voters in each county. It was designed to alleviate long lines at voting precincts.

But what many elections officials have noted is that these long lines have mostly been alleviated at the polls since the time the legislation passed and when it was scheduled to be in effect.

The reason is because there are many opportunities for people to vote either by mail or in-person absentee along with the traditional method of going to a polling location.

Lake County has 152,878 registered voters and 864 electronic voting machines, so with the ratio in place 54 additional machines would need to be purchased at a cost ranging from $100,000 to $200,000 — depending on if the equipment was new or used.

The Ohio Senate version of the budget bill contains language to remove the ratio provision, which officials argue is no longer necessary.

The measure is now in a conference committee involving Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Senate members to hammer out differences between what each chamber passed to deliver a final version of the state budget for Gov. John Kasich to sign before July 1.

Among the next election initiatives that I believe are likely to come out soon will be the ability to register to vote through the Internet. A voter can already check on the Ohio Secretary of State’s website to see if he or she is registered to vote and even update their address.

If that’s already the case, it shouldn’t be that difficult to allow voting registration to be available online.

Filed petitions

Recently filing candidacy petitions in Lake County were Ted Andrzejewski for Eastlake mayor: Joe Zawatski for Willoughby Hills Council at large two-year term commencing Jan. 1, 2014; David M. Fiebig for Willoughby Hills Council at large four-year term commencing Jan. 3, 2014.

Taking out petitions

Recently signing out candidacy petitions with the Elections Board in Lake County are Edward C. Matyja for Wickliffe Council Ward 2, Douglas Davidson for Kirtland Council at large, Geoffrey Snow for Mentor-on-the-Lake Council and Beth Knezevich for Painesville Township trustee.

Patterson conversation

State Rep. John Patterson, D-Jefferson, who represents Ohio House of Representatives District 76, will speak at a Geauga County Democratic Party event from 6 to 8 p.m. June 21 at the organization’s headquarters in Newbury Township.

Fundies

n Amy Cossick, candidate for Painesville Township Trustee, hosts a Campaign Kick-off Fundraiser from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., June 21 at the Fairport Senior Center. See Cossick.

n Andrzejewski hosts his ninth annual golf outing, 8:30 a.m. shotgun start July 19 at Pine Ridge Golf Course in Wickliffe. See Andrzejewski.

n Mentor on the Lake Councilwoman Desirea Thompson host a Spaghetti dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 10 at Amvets Post 109 in Mentor on the Lake. See Desirea or John Thompson.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

It appears that Gov. John Kasich has not given up on the idea to provide Ohio residents an income tax cut.

An emerging proposal aims to increase the tax on oil and gas drilling and send a quarter of the raised revenue back to the state’s Appalachia area, according to various media reports.

The new plan would increase the severance tax to 4.5 percent and send 25 percent of that money to 33 Appalachian counties, where the bulk of the drilling occurs, The Associated Press reported.

That could mean the remaining 75 percent would provide $1.1 billion in income tax cuts during the next five years and $370 million for the Appalachian region.

The Ohio Senate approved its version of the state budget this week, and Kasich’s plan was not included.

However, a conference committee that will hammer out a version between what the Ohio House of Representatives passed earlier and what the Ohio Senate passed Thursday. That version would be sent to the governor and must be signed by Kasich before July 1.

The oil and gas drilling tax increase proposal might be a tough sell, especially in the Ohio House, where Republican members have not been exactly keen on the idea even with an accompanying income tax reduction.

When it comes to a potential expansion of Medicaid in Ohio, something also wanted by Kasich, a plan was not included in either the Ohio House or Senate version.

However, legislative study committees have been established to try to work on a plan potentially before the end of the year.

Lake County Probate Court bench

Shortly after Lake County Probate Court Judge Ted Klammer died in March, Geauga County Probate and Juvenile Court Judge Tim Grendell was assigned by Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor to assist with Lake County Probate Court proceedings through Sept. 20.

So far, Grendell hasn’t been needed to sit in, but the appointment allows Grendell to assist retired Stark County Probate Court Judge R.R. Denny Clunk, who had been appointed by O’Connor for a three-month assignment to the Lake County Probate Court bench.

Sitting judges of the county Common Pleas Court also have helped to cover the probate court docket until a judge is appointed by Kasich.

From what I’m told four names have been sent by the Lake County Republican Party to Columbus for the governor to consider: Geauga County Assistant Prosecutor Mark Bartolotta; Lake County Probate Court Magistrate Lora Lynne Krider; Lake County Assistant Prosecutor John O’Donnell; and Jim O’Leary, a Painesville Township attorney.

It might be another month or so before Kasich makes an appointment.

Ohio Senate District 25 update

Former state Rep. Kenny Yuko, D-Richmond Heights, announced he will run for Ohio Senate District 25, which consists of Eastlake, Fairport Harbor, Grand River, Lakeline, Mentor Ward 4, Mentor-on-the-Lake, Painesville, parts of Painesville Township, Timberlake, Wickliffe, Willoughby and Willowick in Lake County, plus Euclid, Richmond Heights and other eastern Cuyahoga County communities.

State Sen. Nina Turner, D-Cleveland, represents the district. She is eligible to seek re-election, but is considering running for Ohio Secretary of State, although she has not announced her intentions. I would say look for something soon, now that the Ohio Senate has passed a state budget bill.

Former state Rep. Ed Jerse, D-Euclid, also is considering running for the Ohio Senate District 25 seat, but has not made an announcement on his plans.

Portman office hours

Staff for U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, will hold office hours in Lake County from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The location will be at the fifth floor of the county administration building, 105 Main St. in Painesville. No appointments are necessary.

Fundies

n Willoughby Hills Councilwoman Nancy Fellows hosts Flag Day Family Picnic from 6 to 8 p.m. June 14 at Campbell Park in Willoughby Hills. See Nancy or Dale Fellows.

n John Plecnik, candidate for Willoughby Hills Council, Slovenian Style Dinner from 5:30 to 8 p.m. June 12 at Willoughby Hills Community Center. See Plecnik or Tony Manfredi.

n Eastlake Mayor Ted Andrzejewski, ninth annual golf outing, 8:30 a.m. shotgun start July 19 at Pine Ridge Golf Course in Wickliffe. See Andrzejewski.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald, a Democratic candidate for governor, will appear Saturday as the featured speaker for the Geauga County Democratic Party’s 2013 annual dinner.

The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Geauga Democratic Party headquarters and social hall at 12420 Kinsman Road in Newbury Township.

A $50 donation will be for dinner only, $65 for the reception only, or $100 donation for dinner and reception.

The reception will be held from 4:30 to 6 p p.m. at the home of Kathy Leavenworth in Russell Township.

For more information visit www.geaugadems.org.

John Arthur Hutchison
JHutchison@News-Herald.com
Twitter: @newsheraldjah

Staff for U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, will hold office hours in Lake County from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. June 11.

The location will be at the fifth floor of the county administration building, 105 Main St., Painesville. No appointments are necessary.

During this time, constituents will have the opportunity to share thoughts and concerns with a district representative who will provide their feedback to the senator.

John Arthur Hutchison
JHutchison@News-Herald.com
Twitter: @newsheraldjah

The ever-changing proposed state budget took several twists this past week, and what the Ohio Senate unveiled is quite different from the measure passed earlier by the Ohio House of Representatives.

Among the differences is the Ohio Senate wants to scrap a 7 percent permanent income tax cut for individuals. Instead, Ohio Senate leaders in their initial budget bill included a $1.4 billion tax cut to small businesses by cutting in half taxes on the first $750,000 of net income.

The statewide tax cut for individuals was estimated to be worth $1.5 billion, but Ohio Senate leadership said the target tax relief for small businesses would have the most direct impact to encourage job growth.

They hope the small business tax cuts would provide incentives for owners to invest more money into equipment needs, expansion plans, and employee payroll.

Gov. John Kasich had proposed a 20 percent income tax rate reduction for individuals, but it now seems as if there will be little or no reduction in this area.

Ohio Senate officials also announced they do plan to continue work on tax reform with the Ohio House of Representatives in Conference Committee.

What appears to be off the table for now was the governor’s plan to expand the base of the state sales tax and also reduce the overall sales tax rate.

Also missing in either state budget proposal so far is a plan to expand Medicaid coverage to more Ohioans.

But it doesn’t seem the door is closed on this issue, as Ohio Senate leaders said they continue to work on a Medicaid reform plan outside of the budget process.

When it comes to education spending, the Senate version of the budget bill would raise spending on K-12 education by more than $717 million when compared to the last two-year budget, The Associated Press reported.

Schools, according to the GOP-controlled Senate plan, would see an additional $141.6 million in direct state aid when compared to the funding formula the Ohio House passed in its version of the budget bill.

A full Ohio Senate vote is planned for Thursday, and if the measure is approved, the bill heads to a conference committee to hammer out the differences with what was passed by the Ohio House of Representatives.

At this point, there appears to be a lot of discrepancy, so there will be much work to do to pass a final version that needs to be signed by the governor before July 1.

Budish announces

State Rep. Armond Budish, D-Beachwood, announced that he will run for Cuyahoga County executive. He aims to replace Ed FitzGerald, who is running for governor. Media reports showed FitzGerald was present at the announcement and endorsed Budish’s campaign.

Governor appointment

Patrick W. Bevack of Concord Township recently was appointed by Kasich to serve on the Savings and Loan Associations and Savings Bank Board.

Lake-Geauga YRs

The Lake-Geauga Young Republicans are the host club for the 2013 Ohio Young Republican State Convention on June 7-8 at LaMalfa Centre in Mentor.

Local speakers during the convention include state Rep. Matt Lynch and 11th District Court of Appeals Judge Colleen M. O’Toole. Keynote speaker for the dinner program will be U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Marietta. U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce will be inducted into the local club’s hall of fame.

Contact Matt Jaworski or Brian Wollet for more details.

Filed petitions

Recently filing candidacy petitions in Lake County were Maureen Callahan for North Perry Council; Ed Levon for Wickliffe Council Ward 4; and Kenneth J. Blakeley for Leroy Township trustee.

Fundies

n Lake County Sheriff Daniel A. Dunlap’s Golf and Steak Fry, 10:30 a.m. shotgun start June 7 at Painesville Country Club. See Lu Dunlap or Frank Leonbruno.

n Willoughby Hills Councilwoman Nancy Fellows hosts Flag Day Family Picnic from 6 to 8 p.m. June 14 at Campbell Park in Willoughby Hills. See Nancy or Dale Fellows.

n John Plecnik, candidate for Willoughby Hills Council, Slovenian Style Dinner from 5:30 to 8 p.m. June 12 at Willoughby Hills Community Center. See Plecnik or Tony Manfredi.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah