Delaware County Review

Representative Beth Lear of Galena has voted in favor of three significant pieces of legislation: Senate Bill 1, House Bill 28, and Sub. House Bill 54. These bills address education, property tax transparency, and transportation funding in Ohio.

Senate Bill 1 aims to reform public universities by eliminating DEI programs and promoting freedom of speech. It also seeks to prevent faculty strikes, ensure high-quality education through performance evaluations, prioritize civics and capitalism education, and restrict foreign influence from the People's Republic of China. Representative Lear stated, "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion does not live up to the virtues it supposedly represents... It’s time for the state to return its focus to teaching students how to think instead of what to think."

House Bill 28 targets property tax transparency by prohibiting local governments from proposing replacement levies that could mislead voters into unexpected tax increases. Existing levies remain unaffected. Lear commented on the bill's importance: "Replacement levies can fool voters into supporting a levy they think is the same as the current levy but actually raises our property taxes."

Sub. House Bill 54 focuses on transportation infrastructure funding for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 with an investment exceeding $11 billion. It includes provisions for highway construction and maintenance without increasing taxes or fees. The bill also addresses contractor indemnity requirements related to railroads, earmarks funds for Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPOs), mandates proof of U.S. citizenship during BMV transactions for voter registration offers, authorizes specific school transportation options, and requires ODOT assistance under certain conditions.

Lear expressed her commitment regarding transportation developments: "The Ohio House passed the Transportation Budget AFTER getting a necessary amendment in the Senate... I remain committed to the Route 23 changes and do not support a freeway through northern Delaware County."

Senate Bill 1 will proceed to the Ohio Senate for concurrence voting while House Bill 28 awaits consideration there. Sub. House Bill 54 now moves forward for gubernatorial approval.