Ohio Senator Schaffer visits Zanesville, discuss State Operating Budget

MUSKINGUM COUNTY, Ohio- State Senator Tim Schaffer visited Zanesville today to talk about the state operating budget that was passed in June. 

The budget features tax policies and infrastructure project funds that will have a positive impact on families and small businesses in Ohio. The Ohio Senate added the largest personal income tax cut in Ohio history; three percent, saving taxpayers $1.6 billion. 

“Plus, we are making sure that we’re relieving the tax burden on families who make less than $25,000 a year. Families that are struggling and don’t have a lot of money available, will pay zero income tax for that first $25,000. That’s a big help to families that are having a rough time making it and maybe have a lot of expenses. We were really proud we were able to give some tax relief to them,” Ohio State Senator Tim Schaffer said.

In addition, the Ohio Broadband Expansion had been in the works for years. The $250 million grants will encourage providers to continue the deployment of broadcast infrastructure into rural areas that need it. 

“This seed money is going to really incentivize the private sector companies; cable and phone, to really get creative on how we can expand broadband. If they expand the broadband, they get the seed money. If they don’t expand the broadband then they don’t get the seed money. This is the state of Ohio stepping up and saying we’re going to help the private sector do this and get it done,” Schaffer said.

Senator Schaffer said he was thrilled for the new changes as they will help energize the economy.

He added that budgets were passed for Brownfield remediation, modernizing school funding formulas and strengthening school choices and investments to support veterans and law enforcement.