Ohio Rep. Jay Edwards, R-Nelsonville, is working on a piece of legislation that would let hard-working Buckeye State residents keep more of the money they earn, though the details are hazy.

According to a report by WCMH, Edwards is sponsoring House Bill 643, which, for now, is meant to “Express intent to exempt tips and gratuities from income tax.” All that is certain, then, is that the General Assembly intends to take a look at the matter.

“These aren’t people getting rich. These aren’t millionaires. These are blue collar people that are trying to get by,” Edwards told WCMH. According to the station there are more than half a million Ohioans who would be affected.

Those folks have earned the right to hope lawmakers will give HB 643 serious consideration, though it could be November before more detailed language is added for them to read.

“They’ve got children. They’re trying to pay rent. They’re trying to pay off their vehicle. They got insurance on their vehicle. They’re struggling to get by,” Edwards told WCMH. “So, this is a way for us to be able to help them and try to do that.”

It’s an idea that has support from across the aisle and from the Ohio Restaurant and Hospitality Alliance. It’s also been batted around by both major parties at the national level.

“I’d be looking to try to make it as broadly based as possible and the more tax relief that we can provide to Ohioans who need it the most, it actually benefits everybody,” state Rep. Casey Weinstein, D-Hudson, said.

Lawmakers must be careful when crunching numbers to ensure the elimination of revenue is accounted for, and that decisions are made to the benefit of ALL taxpayers. In this case, it seems that letting those who earn tips keep more of that money is the right thing to do.