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The silly season (does it ever end?)

The “silly season” used to be reserved to a few weeks before general elections.  That’s when campaigns are on the verge of being ridiculous as candidates gets fearful of impending doom “that is losing” and whose conduct is borderline outrageous.  Given the current state of affairs, we have been in a state of silliness for some time now.

Nonstop news service has plenty to report on the government shut down and congressional impasse.  The minority party is aware the majority in the House is very slight and they will exact as much pressure as possible on those in competitive districts and make them squirm.  And just what is the oppositions motive; it’s clear, they want to attain a majority in 2027, if not sooner.

Let’s remember too, a majority would enable them to thwart most of the president’s agenda and, possibly, begin impeachment proceedings immediately.

Stateside, issues hover the capital here too, though not to such a great extent.  Increased residential property valuations have caused large spikes in property taxes statewide.  Trying to enact relief is difficult given the antiquated method of how property taxes are levied in Ohio.  The governor and legislators have some differences which has resulted in gubernatorial vetoes and subsequent legislative overrides.  A special committee has been formed but resulted in recommendations which would be hurtful to helping the acknowledged housing shortage.

Property taxes are volatile.  Remember too, our system of school funding relies heavily on property taxes.  And that system has been adjudged and, continues to be, unconstitutional.  As yes, the minority party brings that point up very chance they get.

Turning to congressional redistricting, Ohio is under court order to redraw all 15 districts so to meet legal guidelines.  The districts must be completed by late November. The current split is 10 republican and 5 democrats.  Now, turning to the aforementioned slim margin held by the republicans in the US House, the president’s folks want to increase the size of the majority.  Some here feel the republicans may take a look at creating some more seats favorable to them.  The national democrats are researching some avenues to mandate a referendum.  At this point, no one is sure what will happen next.  The bickering continues and the stakes are high, so bring on the silliness.

In the meantime, we are pushing for more meaningful action to increase the supply of housing in Ohio.  We will be discussing these and other important issue at our fall meeting on November 11^th at the Hilton Easton in Columbus.  I hope you can join us.

NOVEMBER 3, 2025 REPORT #7
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

IMPORTANT LEGISLATIVE CONTACTS FOR OHIO HOUSE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE ON HB 361

After two hearings in the House Local Government Committee, HB 361 has not been scheduled for another hearing this week.   While OHBA provided very informative proponent testimony, opponents have yet to have the opportunity to bring forward their concerns.  A substitute bill has been drafted by the bill’s sponsor, which includes additional language mandating townships with population above 5,000 adopt a comprehensive plan and modifies who makes up plan review commissions.   Further, as introduced, HB 361 proposes to make changes and implement timelines regarding building inspections, local regulations, and zoning.  Vince’s testimony and HB 361 can be found at the links below.  OHBA urges you to contact the Chairwoman, sponsors and other members on the House committee, listed below, to keep this piece of legislation moving.

https://ohiochannel.org/video/ohio-house-local-government-committee-10-8-2025
https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb361/documents

Ohio House Local Government Committee:
https://ohiohouse.gov/committees/local-government

Please contact OHBA with any questions.