Stop DeWining - Veto Override in Ohio
In the heart of Ohio, a significant political battle is underway—a veto override effort targeting Governor Mike DeWine's recent actions. This movement is more than just a local squabble; it highlights broader themes about governance, taxation, and citizen engagement in the Buckeye State. Let’s dive into the issues at stake, the historical context shaping Ohio’s political landscape, and why this moment deserves your attention.
The Veto Override Effort: What’s Happening in Ohio?
Governor DeWine has vetoed several key provisions related to property tax reforms, sparking a concerted effort among Ohio lawmakers and interest groups to override his veto. This initiative aims to curb property taxes, which many Ohioans feel are excessively high. The Ohio Chamber of Commerce and the Ohio Realtors Association, representing thousands of members, are backing this effort, signaling its wide-reaching implications.
But the path to override is narrow. The Ohio House requires a supermajority of 60 votes, and the Republicans hold just 65 seats. With a few already publicly opposed, the vote will be tight, reflecting deep divisions about how Ohio should manage its finances and taxation policies.
What’s Being Vetoed?
A cap on property tax increases, including a 20-mill floor for budgets, with slower phase-ins for taxes above that level.
Local control measures allowing county budget committees to reduce property tax rates independently.
At the core, this is about whether Ohio can move toward eliminating or drastically reducing property taxes—a move that would reshape local government funding and public services.
The Bigger Picture: Ohio’s Taxation Dilemma
Ohio relies heavily on property taxes to fund essential services like schools and emergency services. Eliminating or significantly reducing this revenue stream without a clear alternative could lead to budget shortfalls and cuts in public services.
So, if property taxes go away, what replaces the lost revenue? The most likely candidate is an increase in sales tax, which already ranks as relatively high in Ohio, or potentially other forms of taxation. This isn’t a simple fix—it’s a shift that demands a comprehensive conversation about state priorities and fiscal responsibility.
As one observer put it, “We’re screwing with one side of the equation but not the other.” This highlights the danger of piecemeal reforms that don’t address the full budget picture and the importance of robust debate on the general assembly floor rather than quick fixes via constitutional amendments.
The Role of Constitutional Amendments
Another critical issue is the increasing use of constitutional amendments to enact policy changes that traditionally belong in the legislative arena. Ohio’s constitution can be amended by a simple majority vote, making it easier to bypass the legislature on contentious issues like property tax, abortion, or marijuana legalization.
This trend creates a parallel legislative process that lacks the transparency, debate, and compromise typical of normal lawmaking. Amendments are hard to reverse and often become permanent fixtures, which can lead to unintended consequences down the road.
Historical Context: Reflecting on Difficult Decisions
During the discussion, a poignant historical reflection emerged about the weight of difficult decisions, such as the use of the atomic bomb in 1945. The debate around whether it was the right choice to end World War II reminds us that complex issues require nuanced understanding and careful consideration of consequences.
Similarly, property tax reform and government spending cuts are not black-and-white issues. They affect real people’s lives—parents sending their children to schools funded by property taxes, emergency responders relying on local budgets, and taxpayers demanding fair treatment.
Government Spending and the Myth of “Cuts”
Ohioans—and Americans more broadly—often hear about “cuts” to government spending. However, many so-called cuts are merely reductions in the rate of increase, not actual decreases in funding. For example, if a budget was set to increase by 10% due to inflation but only goes up by 5%, that’s called a cut, even though more money is still being spent than before.
This subtlety frustrates many taxpayers who feel like their money is being wasted but see no meaningful reductions in government size or scope. The veto override effort taps into this frustration, but it also risks creating budget crises if alternatives to property tax revenue aren’t carefully planned.
Federal Rescissions: A Drop in the Ocean
On a national level, there was a recent $9 billion rescissions bill passed in the U.S. Senate—the largest ever under its provision but still a tiny fraction of the $36 trillion national debt. This bill included cuts to foreign aid and public broadcasting funding, sparking debates about government waste and the role of taxpayer money.
Yet, the struggle to pass even modest cuts illustrates the difficulty of reigning in government spending. Many argue that government programs become entrenched, and once funding starts, it’s nearly impossible to roll back without causing disruption.
The Supreme Court and Executive Power: Hiring and Firing Authority
A recent Supreme Court decision reaffirmed that presidents have the power to hire and fire executive branch employees. This ruling stemmed from a dispute over former President Trump’s attempt to fire Department of Education workers, a move challenged in court.
The Court’s 6-3 decision clarified that such executive authority is constitutional, underscoring the president’s control over the executive branch workforce. This ruling also highlighted how political reactions often depend on who is in office, with similar actions by different presidents eliciting vastly different public responses.
The Growing Threat of Deepfake Technology
Emerging concerns about deepfake videos and AI-generated content were also discussed. Fabricated videos featuring public figures, such as politicians or celebrities, can spread misinformation rapidly and undermine trust in media.
Examples include fake clips of Senator Marco Rubio and Clint Eastwood, which have fooled many viewers into believing they were real. This technology poses serious challenges for verifying authenticity and combating disinformation in an increasingly digital world.
Critical Thinking: The Need for Nuance in Today’s Media Landscape
In an era dominated by social media and rapid information sharing, knee-jerk reactions and emotional responses often replace thoughtful analysis. The discussion emphasized the importance of slowing down, seeking context, and engaging in critical thinking before forming opinions or sharing content.
Whether it’s interpreting a viral video, understanding complex policy issues, or evaluating historical events, taking the time to analyze facts deeply can prevent misinformation and promote healthier public discourse.
Closing Thoughts: Community, Responsibility, and Moving Forward
Despite the challenges and frustrations with government and media today, there remains hope in community and informed engagement. Celebrations of service members, like those sending young men and women off to serve in the military, remind us of shared values and commitment to country.
Ohio’s veto override effort is more than just a political skirmish—it’s a reflection of broader questions about governance, fiscal responsibility, and the role of citizens in shaping their state’s future. As these debates unfold, it’s crucial for Ohioans to stay informed, participate actively, and demand transparency and accountability from their leaders.
For those interested in diving deeper into these topics or joining the conversation, platforms like Common Sense Ohio provide thoughtful analysis and a space for community dialogue. After all, common sense and informed debate are the foundations of a healthy democracy.
Stephen Palmer is the Managing Partner for the law firm, Palmer Legal Defense. He has specialized almost exclusively in criminal defense for over 26 years. Steve is also a partner in Criminal Defense Consultants, a firm focused wholly on helping criminal defense attorneys design winning strategies for their clients.
Norm Murdock is an automobile racing driver and owner of a high-performance and restoration car parts company. He earned undergraduate degrees in literature and journalism and graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1985. He worked in the IT industry for two years before launching a career in government relations in Columbus, Ohio. Norm has assisted clients in the Transportation, Education, Healthcare, and Public Infrastructure sectors.
Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy®, is an award-winning podcast consultant and small business owner for nearly 10 years, leaving a long career in radio. He is passionate about helping small businesses tell their story through podcasts, and he believes podcasting is a great opportunity for different voices to speak and be heard.
Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.
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