Teachers Upset Over Ohio House Bill 400

Local teachers are taking a stand against Ohio legislation.

Zanesville City Schools Superintendent Terry Martin says Ohio House Bill 400 is looking to repeal Ohio’s income tax over ten years. But Martin says that will severely hurt local schools.

"The cuts that we have already made over the last three years would be nothing compared to what the seven million dollars would do to our budget if this would be enacted," tells Martin.

Martin says if the bill passes it will also hurt local entities like police and fire departments. He says Ohio House Bill 400 was proposed by State Representative John Adams. Special Education Teacher Martha Mitchell, says it may sound good, but wants residents to take a closer look.

"I know that it looks good for the citizens, we are in a devastating economy, but in essence local citizens are going to have to pick up what is lost if they want schools to maintain," says Mitchell.

All of the teachers present Thursday are lobbying against Ohio House Bill 400.

In a press release from the Zanesville City Teachers they say Republican gubernatorial candidate John Kasich supports the repeal of the state income tax. WHIZ spoke with Kasich’s press secretary, Rob Nichols, who says Kasich never endorsed this plan. Nichols says quote, "Ted Strickland doesn’t think Ohioans are taxed enough and Jon Kasich thinks taxes are too high. We are happy to let the voters of Ohio decide who is right."

Katie Jeffries

KJeffries@whizmediagroup.com