Since 1971 Ohioans have paid a state income tax. This year, Republican lawmakers have introduced bills that would eliminate that and the commercial activities tax.

Should those bills be passed, both the state income tax and commercial activities tax would be eliminated by 2030, with a phased-in approach.

But according to a report by WBNS, the Ohio Department of Taxation says it collected $13 billion in state individual income taxes alone in 2022. That money funds items such as Medicaid and schools.

“They’re putting us in a choice, if this is a serious proposal, of making slashes to our state government, to our school funding, to higher education, to healthcare in the state,” said Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney, D-Westlake, according to a different report, by WCMH.

Sponsors of the bills respond that every time income taxes have been cut, revenue has actually increased; and models are being researched that would help avoid vital cuts after the elimination of the tax.

Part of those strategies is, rightfully, examining ways in which the state can be more responsible with our money. Lawmakers must look carefully at whether the state budget can sustain such a loss of revenue in the long term. They must consider whether other taxes or fees might be a better target; or whether there are upcoming expenses being built into the budget that might make the loss of revenue a burden for taxpayers rather than a help.

Now is not the time for political theater. Now is the time for carefully considering what will do the most good, for ALL Buckeye State residents.