Senator Brenner pulls back the curtain on Ohio's legislative process, sharing significant wins for wildlife rehabilitation and consumer protection while breaking down what matters most in the massive state budget bill moving through Columbus.
The interview begins with a deep dive into Senate Bill 152, which addresses a critical gap for wildlife rehabilitation centers. Currently unable to humanely euthanize severely injured animals due to opioid crisis legislation, these centers must hire veterinarians, causing delays, increased suffering, and higher costs. The bill that passed unanimously out of the Senate creates a pathway for properly trained staff to administer euthanasia when necessary, and will potentially become law before the end of June.
Equally important is the Senate's consumer protection effort through Senate Bill 155, which addresses real estate "wholesaling" practices where buyers purchase homes without disclosing their intention to resell them at a higher price immediately. Rather than banning the practice, the legislation requires transparency, particularly in protecting vulnerable homeowners, such as seniors and those in economic distress.
The conversation shifts to the 5,565-page state budget, where Senator Brenner highlights property tax relief measures including expanded homestead exemptions, a flatter income tax structure, and school funding guarantees. The Senator articulates an innovative approach to funding economic development using Ohio's $4.8 billion in unclaimed funds rather than direct tax dollars, with built-in protections to ensure returns on investment.
Throughout the discussion, we see how legislative choices directly impact Ohioans, from managing property tax burdens for seniors to addressing the statewide housing shortage through zoning reforms and allocations from the housing trust fund. For listeners concerned about school funding, the Senator provides context on the significant increases in per-pupil spending despite what he says are declining student populations in many districts.
Want to follow these developments? The Senator explains how to access the full budget bill and summary documents at ohiosenate.gov, with final negotiations between the House, Senate, and Governor concluding by the June 30th deadline.
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