Legslative Action: 10th District and State

Looks like as good of a place to post as any:

Great news for Ohio history enthusiasts! As you may recall, a threshold was recently established in state law that requires all of the state’s income tax check-offs generate a minimum of $150,000 or face elimination if they fall short two consecutive years. In 2014, the Ohio History Fund check-off generated $171,000 before falling steeply to just $80,000 in 2015. Data showed that all of the other income tax check-offs experienced steep declines from 2014 to 2015. Results so far in 2016 indicate that the Ohio History Fund will fall short of $150,000 this year. Hundreds of you responded this spring by contacting your state legislators – thank you – it made a big difference!

Rather than facing elimination, the Ohio History Fund tax check-off and other tax check-offs can now breathe easier thanks to legislative approval from the Ohio General Assembly. State Representative Kirk Schuring (R-Canton) took the lead in sponsoring an amendment that lowers the threshold from $150,000 to $50,000 with elimination for check-offs that fall short five consecutive years, instead of two. Governor Kasich just signed House Bill 182, legislation that revised the income tax threshold, into law yesterday.

Representative Schuring, the Ohio House Majority Floor Leader, was honored at this year’s Statehood Day event at the Ohio Statehouse by earning the Ohio History Leadership Award. His leadership on this issue further demonstrates that he is worthy of the award and a true friend of Ohio history. Anyone wishing to express their thanks to Rep. Schuring may do so by emailing [email protected].

Many thanks to you for your support in helping ensure a future for the Ohio History Fund income tax check-off!

Sincerely,

Todd Kleismit

Ohio History Connection

Director of Community & Government Relations