Letter to the editor: Beware of the flat tax wolf in sheep’s clothing

Editor’s note: The Portager publishes letters to the editor from the community. The opinions expressed are published not because they necessarily reflect those of the publication but because we feel they contribute meaningfully to the local discourse on matters of public interest.

HB 96 is a wolf in sheep’s clothing—disguised as tax relief, but hiding cost increases for families, seniors, and working Ohioans. While it promises simplicity and fairness, the truth is that many Ohioans will end up paying more—not less.

For example, a married couple with children earning $45,000 currently pays approximately $1,125 in state income tax. Under the Senate’s flat tax plan in HB 96, their tax bill would rise to $1,237—a $112 increase. Similarly, a retired couple living on $45,000 in pensions and Social Security would also see their taxes go up, despite having limited means to grow their incomes. For seniors on fixed budgets, that extra tax isn’t just a number—it’s medication, heating, or groceries.

It’s worth noting that both of these households fall well below the median household income in Portage County, which is $72,822. These aren’t edge cases, they represent many of our neighbors. A flat tax might sound fair, but in practice, it shifts the burden to those who can least afford it, while delivering the biggest breaks to those already doing well. It quietly raises the cost of everyday necessities for working families and seniors—while calling it “relief.”

It’s not just about the rate. HB 96 eliminates important tax benefits that protect low- and middle-income Ohioans, including the joint filer credit, the $20 personal exemption credit, and the low-income credit—along with the tiered bracket system that ensures fairness based on ability to pay. Removing these protections means that even if households see a lower rate, they may end up owing more.

Now consider a household earning $500,000 a year. Under the current system, they would owe around $16,394 in state income tax. Under the flat tax, they would owe just $13,394—a $3,000 tax break. The more you make, the more you benefit.

HB 96 doesn’t stop at income tax. It also removes the long-standing sales tax exemption on newspaper subscriptions. In Portage County, it means your bill for staying informed will go up by 6.75%.

Need to rent a car to get to work after a breakdown? Or rent equipment for home repairs because you can’t afford a contractor? Those necessities will cost more too—thanks to added rental taxes and local licensing fees.

This is not tax reform. It’s tax redistribution—from those who work for their income to those who invest or inherit it.

If you live in Portage County, contact your state senator and urge them to vote NO on HB 96:

If you live in Streetsboro or northern Portage County, contact Senator Jerry Cirino (R): https://www.ohiosenate.gov/members/jerry-c-cirino/contact (District 18) – 614‑644‑7718

If you live in southern Portage County, including areas near Hudson, contact Senator Kristina Roegner (R): https://www.ohiosenate.gov/members/kristina-d-roegner/contact (District 27) – 614‑466‑4823

Let them know that you know that HB 96 is a wolf in sheep’s clothing—wrapped in the language of tax relief, but designed to take more from those who can least afford it. Don’t let Ohio balance its budget on the backs of the people who keep it running.

Karen Taylor, Streetsboro