The 2026 to 2027 Ohio state budget (House Bill 96) is worth $60 billion. It has been promoted using buzzwords like “tax reform,” “property tax relief,” and “community investment.” These phrases sound promising, but a closer look reveals something else. Libertarians see the budget as another example of too much spending, too much taxation, and less transparency.
Here’s a breakdown from a Libertarian point of view.
Big Changes in the Budget
Tax Reforms: More Flash Than Substance
Many people have heard about tax cuts in this budget. A few income tax brackets were trimmed, and some property tax rules were adjusted. None of that improves the overall situation for Ohio taxpayers.
- Counties now have more control over certain levies, and school tax formulas can shift. The state still holds the power to take your property if you fall behind on taxes.
- Income tax rates were lowered in some areas, but the sales tax now applies to more everyday purchases.
- These updates shuffle the tax burden around but do not reduce it meaningfully.
Libertarians consider all taxation to be a form of force. Minor adjustments like these may look like progress, but they leave the system of coercion untouched. Real reform begins when people are given full control of their earnings and property.
Sunshine Law Change: Less Transparency, Not More
A serious concern lies in a change to the Sunshine Law. Lawmakers can now hide internal communications for two years after a legislative session ends. Emails, texts, and notes between legislators and staff will not be available to the public during that period.
Citizens will not be able to examine what their elected officials are doing until long after the decisions are made. The change was added at the last minute without a public hearing or proper discussion. That fact alone shows how dangerous it is.
Transparency is a key value in the Libertarian Party of Ohio. A government that hides its actions breaks public trust and weakens accountability.
Spending and Use of Private Property
The budget shifts interest from dedicated funds into the general budget pool. These funds include the Rainy Day Fund and environmental cleanup programs. Their original purpose was long-term stability, not short-term political spending.
Another issue comes from a new grant program for sports and cultural projects. It will be funded by unclaimed private property. The state holds this money in trust for Ohio residents. Instead of returning it to rightful owners, the state will spend it.
Libertarians reject the use of private property for political projects. A government that respects property rights would not use unclaimed assets this way.
What the Governor Vetoed
Governor DeWine issued 67 line-item vetoes before signing the budget. Several key vetoes blocked:
- Changes to school tax rules, including caps on surpluses
- New grant programs and restrictions involving education and DEI
- Welfare policy revisions that lacked clear limits
The governor did not veto the Sunshine Law change. That change remains in effect and reduces government openness.
What Lawmakers Overrode
The Ohio House overrode one veto. That decision brought back a provision that restricts the types of local property tax levies that can be placed on the ballot.
Other vetoed items were left alone. The Senate has not acted on any vetoes. All vetoes are still active.
What Libertarians Think
The Libertarian Party of Ohio supports individual liberty, limited government, transparency, and property rights. The budget falls short in every category.
What We Support
Some of the governor’s vetoes protected local control and stopped new wasteful spending.
What We Oppose
The Sunshine Law change cuts citizens off from information they should have. Tax changes do nothing to reduce the overall burden. Using unclaimed property for political purposes violates personal ownership. Expanding the sales tax adds more pressure to those who already struggle under the current system.
What We Would Change
All legislative records should become public as soon as possible. No blackout period should exist. Taxation should begin to shrink, not shift. Unclaimed property must be returned to the people it belongs to, or have the greatest claim, not spent by the state. Government spending should decrease, and special interests should no longer receive financial favors.
Final Thoughts
This budget presents itself as reform, but it continues the same habits of big government. Spending remains high, taxes stay in place, and access to government records has become harder. Voters were promised improvement but got delay and distraction instead. Libertarians will continue to push for smaller government, real transparency, lower taxes, and more freedom for every Ohioan.