Ohio Homestead Exemption – The Elder Abuse Scam.

[Richard Baker]

Many seniors are forced out of the homes by one debt, property taxes. In 1972 seniors and disabled homeowners with the income below $26,200 in today dollars would be $38,514. Our benevolent county government set it at $36,100, claiming it is “equable” based on inflation. However, the 1972 $25,000 standard deduction off of the home’s assessed value is a joke according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, pricing for housing are 723.78 percent higher in 2023 versus 1971 a $184,000 difference in value. Why hasn’t the deduction been increased accordingly?

Only fools and socialists will think that the politicians and government has been fair in adjusting the exemption. Ever wonder why you see so many senior men and women working at box stores, retail, etc.? Take the time to ask them, many will tell you they are work to pay their property taxes so they can keep their homes. Seniors who worked all their lives paid into the social security hustle of which half of the funding into their account was paid after payroll taxes were deducted from the take home pay. Due to federal government abuse to reduce the deficit by borrowing the funds at low interest rates instead of investing it.

Most Americans don’t realize that their employer matches their “after tax” social security contribution, thus 12.4 percent of gross payroll is paid into the social security toilet. Additionally, if politicians had matched payment to seniors with the value of the dollar from the 1970s, seniors would receive a 36 percent higher benefit every month. The average wage earner labors from January thru June due to federal, state and local taxes consisting in part of payroll, income, sales, utility, fees, gasoline, etc., etc. for free. Compulsory work for the payment of taxes as dictated by the government that holds them in bondage by the threat of incarceration can be considered a form of slavery. Libertarian, you"re supplying labor that you did not agree to provide.

Summing it up, Ohio and Social Security has steadily reduced benefits to senior since 1970s, embezzling their earnings with layers of taxes, by refusing to adjust deductions-based on the value of the dollar, and imposing property taxes they can ill afford to pay, forcing them from their homes.

[Jim O'Bryan]

Many seniors are forced out of the homes by one debt, property taxes. In 1972 seniors and disabled homeowners with the income below $26,200 in today dollars would be $38,514. Our benevolent county government set it at $36,100, claiming it is “equable” based on inflation. However, the 1972 $25,000 standard deduction off of the home’s assessed value is a joke according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, pricing for housing are 723.78 percent higher in 2023 versus 1971 a $184,000 difference in value. Why hasn’t the deduction been increased accordingly?

Only fools and socialists will think that the politicians and government has been fair in adjusting the exemption. Ever wonder why you see so many senior men and women working at box stores, retail, etc.? Take the time to ask them, many will tell you they are work to pay their property taxes so they can keep their homes. Seniors who worked all their lives paid into the social security hustle of which half of the funding into their account was paid after payroll taxes were deducted from the take home pay. Due to federal government abuse to reduce the deficit by borrowing the funds at low interest rates instead of investing it.

Most Americans don’t realize that their employer matches their “after tax” social security contribution, thus 12.4 percent of gross payroll is paid into the social security toilet. Additionally, if politicians had matched payment to seniors with the value of the dollar from the 1970s, seniors would receive a 36 percent higher benefit every month. The average wage earner labors from January thru June due to federal, state and local taxes consisting in part of payroll, income, sales, utility, fees, gasoline, etc., etc. for free. Compulsory work for the payment of taxes as dictated by the government that holds them in bondage by the threat of incarceration can be considered a form of slavery. Libertarian, you"re supplying labor that you did not agree to provide.

Summing it up, Ohio and Social Security has steadily reduced benefits to senior since 1970s, embezzling their earnings with layers of taxes, by refusing to adjust deductions-based on the value of the dollar, and imposing property taxes they can ill afford to pay, forcing them from their homes.

Bad morning eh?

Yeah property taxes, only thing that had gone up. Ds Socialists out to get your pennies.

In Lakewood most of the property taxes and raises were because of our dedication to education. ie schools, library. While the library has over delivered in their part of taxes, still one of the finest libraries in Ohio and the country. However the school board, has failed miserably in their ability to keep their part of the deal. The residents gave them $251 million for improvements we were told by them, and their 50-year committee were desperately needed.

Today they admit the 50-year committee was wrong, and we have to close schools and sell off buildings. Less kids. Again the facts are nearly as many kids, but we are losing students at an ever increasing rate to schools in church basements, and empty warehouses.

Now Richard I am sure you are against public education, but in a community like Lakewood it is important, and it needs to work.

When I retired, I did it knowing taxes would rise, and my earning abilities would decrease.

I say cut the military budget by 25% and give everyone Dennis Kucinich's peace dividend.

Hope the second cup of coffee finds you in better spirits.

peace.

[ryan costa]

James Howard Kunstler has evolved into something of a knee jerk reactionary. This may make him more popular with right-wing leaning voters.

For the present, Charles Marohn of Strong Towns has some rational discourse of modernity. He is from the northern Midwest , so you can take him seriously. The good news is your kids or grandkids will have more important things to deal with than a war with China or Russia.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tI3kkk2Jd ... 5nIHRvd25z

However, if we do get into a full war with China or Russia your kids and grandkids will all be dead. So they won’t have to worry about anything either. The few survivors will reminisce about watching professional sports on television, or listening to people talk about professional sports on television and the internet and driving to shopping centers.

If that is not depressing enough there is always Nick Johnson. He sounds like a dick, but that is because he is from california

https://m.youtube.com/@NickJohnson

[Richard Baker]

[quote="Jim O'Bryan"][quote="Richard Baker"]Many seniors are forced out of the homes by one debt, property taxes. In 1972 seniors and disabled homeowners with the income below $26,200 in today dollars would be $38,514. Our benevolent county government set it at $36,100, claiming it is “equable” based on inflation. However, the 1972 $25,000 standard deduction off of the home’s assessed value is a joke according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, pricing for housing are 723.78 percent higher in 2023 versus 1971 a $184,000 difference in value. Why hasn’t the deduction been increased accordingly?

Only fools and socialists will think that the politicians and government has been fair in adjusting the exemption. Ever wonder why you see so many senior men and women working at box stores, retail, etc.? Take the time to ask them, many will tell you they are work to pay their property taxes so they can keep their homes. Seniors who worked all their lives paid into the social security hustle of which half of the funding into their account was paid after payroll taxes were deducted from the take home pay. Due to federal government abuse to reduce the deficit by borrowing the funds at low interest rates instead of investing it.

Most Americans don’t realize that their employer matches their “after tax” social security contribution, thus 12.4 percent of gross payroll is paid into the social security toilet. Additionally, if politicians had matched payment to seniors with the value of the dollar from the 1970s, seniors would receive a 36 percent higher benefit every month. The average wage earner labors from January thru June due to federal, state and local taxes consisting in part of payroll, income, sales, utility, fees, gasoline, etc., etc. for free. Compulsory work for the payment of taxes as dictated by the government that holds them in bondage by the threat of incarceration can be considered a form of slavery. Libertarian, you"re supplying labor that you did not agree to provide.

Summing it up, Ohio and Social Security has steadily reduced benefits to senior since 1970s, embezzling their earnings with layers of taxes, by refusing to adjust deductions-based on the value of the dollar, and imposing property taxes they can ill afford to pay, forcing them from their homes.[/quote]

Bad morning eh?

Yeah property taxes, only thing that had gone up. Ds Socialists out to get your pennies.

In Lakewood most of the property taxes and raises were because of our dedication to education. ie schools, library. While the library has over delivered in their part of taxes, still one of the finest libraries in Ohio and the country. However the school board, has failed miserably in their ability to keep their part of the deal. The residents gave them $251 million for improvements we were told by them, and their 50-year committee were desperately needed.

Today they admit the 50-year committee was wrong, and we have to close schools and sell off buildings. Less kids. Again the facts are nearly as many kids, but we are losing students at an ever increasing rate to schools in church basements, and empty warehouses.

Now Richard I am sure you are against public education, but in a community like Lakewood it is important, and it needs to work.

When I retired, I did it knowing taxes would rise, and my earning abilities would decrease.

I say cut the military budget by 25% and give everyone Dennis Kucinich's peace dividend.

Hope the second cup of coffee finds you in better spirits.

peace.[/quote]

Your constant sarcastic criticism, and diverse responses to ridicule rather than debate members whose comments are politically polarized to your personal political agenda is both unnecessary and degrading. Additionally, it is a barrier to open discussion by members and new readers that may want to post a comment.

[Jim O'Bryan]

[/quote]
Your constant sarcastic criticism, and diverse responses to ridicule rather than debate members whose comments are politically polarized to your personal political agenda is both unnecessary and degrading. Additionally, it is a barrier to open discussion by members and new readers that may want to post a comment.[/quote]

Richard

The real barrier to open discussion is starting with false premises, out right misrepresentation, and a loss of historical perspective, here, in Lakewood.

Your posts read to me as a constant barrage against the left or Ds. Many times you do not realize many aren't D programs but were undertaken during a R admin, or god forbid bi-partisan support of Ds and Rs.

I understand you hate taxes, big government, and waste. But in my years of reading, if it is spent on anyone less fortunate than you (most of Lakewood) is a total waste of tax dollars, and effort. Also very little consistency in your reasoning. You hate taxes, and chuck holes? You do realize at some point taxes go up because holes have to be filled and the labor and materials cost more. This is where history figures in. Lakewood employed many more people 15 years ago than now. The largest most costly department, Health was shit down completely. To not raise taxes. Trash collection was moved from the back yard to the front yard, then automated. This saved the city a ton in labor, injury claims maintenance. We are also down I think 32 police from our high level. With all these cuts, it is impossible to keep up with inflation in labor and materials. So when you talk about this stuff, you do understand that is not a lot to cut.

But alas you were speaking of county taxes, as you feel the Ds are an easy target for mismanagement, and corruption. I will agree that the recent D management of the county had some major low points. But if you were honest you would see how many Rs have taken the low roads to disappointed voters.

The example you use as of late is The Ds are breaking your back with property taxes. In Lakewood a huge chunk of the property taxes are spent on schools. Schools are forced to seek levies thanks to a bill introduced by Senator Voinovich a R, and a good man. Used to help keep schools in check, but forcing them to propose balloted levies about every 5 years. Not a Democrat plot to separate you from your hard earned money. That said, the community Ds and Rs voted on the levies and bond issues. Again not some cabal of Ds run amuck, but taxation with representation, aka America.

Lakewood and the history of Lakewood, Rs and Ds is a very blurry line at every moment. Right now, you have to be a D, or disguised as a D to get elected. Mike Summers, a lifelong Republican switched I was told, to vote in a primary. Tony Sinagra, the longest serving mayor, was a Republican, who had switched to get elected in Lakewood, which at the time was a hardcore Republican community, told him to keep the designation in the run for mayor. Now I would tend to skip this whole discussion as party should never matter in local politics. However, you see the entire world through R and D glasses.

Richard yes, I know your history, I have heard it a thousand times. That was decades ago, in a small town. I get it your have tons more experience than I at being a mayor. I'm more than willing to give you proper credit for what you may know. But to have a discussion about how the Ds are breaking your back with Tax hijinks, is not only false, but leaves out tons of facts. At the same time you present, "Property taxes are breaking my back, how should we fix them,"sounds more like a discussion than an ignorant slap down first thin in the morning.

In my humble opinion you set the tone for the discussion but how the premise, question or statement is raised. Come in sounding like a partisan, crank, old, bitter man, then I tend to pick up the beat, and try to do the dance with you.

Another interesting phenomenon your people can dish it out, but damn are you all thin skinned when it is shined back on you. Stand in line by the thousands screaming lock her up, lock him up, even though no crime was ever committed or found. One of your high moral god fearing R gets indicted for actual crimes, many, and suddenly it is unfair. So when a person present themselves to me as an R I see a hypocrite, that is not living in the real world.

Thanks as always, I usually find you amusing, and dependable to be you.

.

[Richard Baker]

[quote="Jim O'Bryan"][/quote]
Your constant sarcastic criticism, and diverse responses to ridicule rather than debate members whose comments are politically polarized to your personal political agenda is both unnecessary and degrading. Additionally, it is a barrier to open discussion by members and new readers that may want to post a comment.[/quote]

Richard

The real barrier to open discussion is starting with false premises, out right misrepresentation, and a loss of historical perspective, here, in Lakewood.

Your posts read to me as a constant barrage against the left or Ds. Many times you do not realize many aren't D programs but were undertaken during a R admin, or god forbid bi-partisan support of Ds and Rs.

I understand you hate taxes, big government, and waste. But in my years of reading, if it is spent on anyone less fortunate than you (most of Lakewood) is a total waste of tax dollars, and effort. Also very little consistency in your reasoning. You hate taxes, and chuck holes? You do realize at some point taxes go up because holes have to be filled and the labor and materials cost more. This is where history figures in. Lakewood employed many more people 15 years ago than now. The largest most costly department, Health was shit down completely. To not raise taxes. Trash collection was moved from the back yard to the front yard, then automated. This saved the city a ton in labor, injury claims maintenance. We are also down I think 32 police from our high level. With all these cuts, it is impossible to keep up with inflation in labor and materials. So when you talk about this stuff, you do understand that is not a lot to cut.

But alas you were speaking of county taxes, as you feel the Ds are an easy target for mismanagement, and corruption. I will agree that the recent D management of the county had some major low points. But if you were honest you would see how many Rs have taken the low roads to disappointed voters.

The example you use as of late is The Ds are breaking your back with property taxes. In Lakewood a huge chunk of the property taxes are spent on schools. Schools are forced to seek levies thanks to a bill introduced by Senator Voinovich a R, and a good man. Used to help keep schools in check, but forcing them to propose balloted levies about every 5 years. Not a Democrat plot to separate you from your hard earned money. That said, the community Ds and Rs voted on the levies and bond issues. Again not some cabal of Ds run amuck, but taxation with representation, aka America.

Lakewood and the history of Lakewood, Rs and Ds is a very blurry line at every moment. Right now, you have to be a D, or disguised as a D to get elected. Mike Summers, a lifelong Republican switched I was told, to vote in a primary. Tony Sinagra, the longest serving mayor, was a Republican, who had switched to get elected in Lakewood, which at the time was a hardcore Republican community, told him to keep the designation in the run for mayor. Now I would tend to skip this whole discussion as party should never matter in local politics. However, you see the entire world through R and D glasses.

Richard yes, I know your history, I have heard it a thousand times. That was decades ago, in a small town. I get it your have tons more experience than I at being a mayor. I'm more than willing to give you proper credit for what you may know. But to have a discussion about how the Ds are breaking your back with Tax hijinks, is not only false, but leaves out tons of facts. At the same time you present, "Property taxes are breaking my back, how should we fix them,"sounds more like a discussion than an ignorant slap down first thin in the morning.

In my humble opinion you set the tone for the discussion but how the premise, question or statement is raised. Come in sounding like a partisan, crank, old, bitter man, then I tend to pick up the beat, and try to do the dance with you.

Another interesting phenomenon your people can dish it out, but damn are you all thin skinned when it is shined back on you. Stand in line by the thousands screaming lock her up, lock him up, even though no crime was ever committed or found. One of your high moral god fearing R gets indicted for actual crimes, many, and suddenly it is unfair. So when a person present themselves to me as an R I see a hypocrite, that is not living in the real world.

Thanks as always, I usually find you amusing, and dependable to be you.

.[/quote]
Jim,

Is “false premises, outright misrepresentation, and a loss of historical perspective” the totality of your factual response to a homestead tax exemption failing to be adjusted to value of realest, social security benefits falling behind the value of the dollar and the City’s deteriorated infrastructure?

As Margaret Thatcher so aptly put it, “The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.” Yes, I object to providing social funding to illegal aliens, able body men and women on the dole who are capable of working. I’ve never been opposed to helping those who cannot physically, or mentally care for themselves, or providing temporary support when situations occur beyond the control of individual and family.

The subject of my comment was the Homestead exemption that has not kept up with “real” inflation, or the value of real estate causing financial hardship on fixed income seniors. Additionally, social security recipients in the 1970’s received thirty-six percent higher benefits based on the value of the dollar. Obviously, your lack of concern about the “less fortunate” senior’s plight is not one of your socialist priorities, or you simply don’t give a damn.

I don’t need your approval to be critical of Lakewood past and current management. Lakewood has become a regime, employing twice the number of employees of comparable size cities. Funding is being spent on personnel, rather than on neglected waste and stormwater sectional lines responsible for flooding basements. It missed grants from the federal government for wastewater lines infiltration of stormwater abatement.
Lakewood, is a built-out city lacking in notable industrial and commercial districts. The result is the tax base growth will be restricted to housing density. However, in the meantime, the city can’t give away the demolished hospital’s land to a developer, which is sad indicator of Lakewood’s economic attraction for growth.

The condition of many streets is a visual reference of how many patches it takes to pave a street. There are lead water service lines that children drink from that should be change out, or were not when watermain's were replaced. The 80-million-dollar waste water project is only a quarter of the cost to the city necessary to correct the city’s storm/wastewater discharge into Lake Erie. However, I must admit, Lakewood does have the best maintained sidewalks in northern Ohio, there is not a crack to be seen. Perhaps the lack of police officer’s is the reason why runners are in the streets illegally instead of on the city’s pristine sidewalks.

There is no “privilege or fortunate” to my current economic status, it was earned like million have, and the same opportunity is available to every citizen in this nation. You know nothing about my background, which goes far beyond the little world of Lakewood. We have never discussed my tenor as a mayor in any depth, nor did I mention it in my previous posts, you did. Your consistent political polarizing of this discussion is inappropriate and distracting. As is your tiptoe through the tulips attitude, and defensiveness about Lakewood’s management and the infrastructure issues has become dreary as this discussion.

Your comments remind me of quote in the Chicago Tribe, "By eliminating the possibility of honest disagreement, liberals reject democratic debate in favor of a politics of slander."

Richard

[David Anderson]

I appreciate the gist of your original post, Richard.

Via a quick search, history suggests that because of a change in state law, beginning in calendar 2014, homestead exemption applicants will be subject to an income means test. The limit for tax year 2020 (payable 2021) is $33,600 (Ohio adjusted gross income - line 3 on tax return). For 2021 (payable 2022) the limit is $34,200.

I was never able to completely figure it out but it seems property valuation is more than somewhat based on how much money County government needs to operate and not as much on market driven real estate sales prices as one would think (although the explanations offered by the Cuy. Co. Treasurer do not support my suspicion).

I agree with the income means test, which is frequently adjusted, but also agree that the amount of home valuation to be protected should be adjusted with inflation (not included in the 1970 Constitutional Amendment allowing for this exemption).

To note, I imagine the rebuttal in Columbus would be that, no, we haven’t adjusted the value of a home exempt from property tax, but, we have, over the course of time, eliminated all Ohio income tax for those below $25,000 and have a rate of 2.765 for those between $25,000 and $44,250 (which was at 3% in 1972, 3.75% in 1982, 4.457% in 1992, then back to 3.708% in 2010). This evidences a significant decrease in overall State tax burden for those who would qualify for the Homestead Exemption.

Between 1972 and 1981, the first $25,000 of income was taxed at about 3% in Ohio. https://tax.ohio.gov/static/forms/ohio_ ... Tables.pdf

Today, there is a ZERO rate for income of $25,000 and less and, again, a 2.765% rate for $25,000-$44,250. https://smartasset.com/taxes/ohio-tax-calculator

It’s no secret that the philosophy of Conservative statewide tax related policy is to reduce the amount of income individuals send to Columbus and put the burden of raising money needed for municipal expenses squarely on local communities. Drive down the taxing related decisions to the most local level. When once Columbus was known as a collect and distribute entity with Mayors lined up in the queue ready to promote their list of needs, let it be rebranded as a Capital that favors local control - but only when (1) its not Capital Budget season and (2) when it suits statewide office holders who are known to dabble in posturing against local control from time to time.