Ax Ohio Tax Announces Extended Battle Plan For 2027
COLUMBUS — In a boost to Ohio homeowners frustrated with rising property taxes, the grassroots Ax Ohio Tax initiative announced Friday it will carry forward its petition drive and target the November 2027 ballot for a constitutional amendment to permanently abolish taxes on real property.
Brian Massie, president of the Committee to Abolish Ohio Property Taxes, delivered the update during a well-received appearance on the "Ohio Political News" morning show, framing the decision as a strategic move to ensure success while giving lawmakers more time to enact meaningful reforms.
The citizen-led effort has already gathered strong support across the state, collecting hundreds of thousands of signatures from Ohioans eager to end what organizers call an immoral system that threatens homeownership. To qualify, the campaign needs 413,488 valid signatures from registered voters in at least 44 counties. Organizers had set an ambitious internal goal of about 620,000 raw signatures to account for expected invalidations.
Massie, who declined to reveal the current signature total for strategic reasons amid opposition from some local officials, expressed confidence in the movement's momentum. "We have decided to continue collecting signatures to ensure that we can achieve our goal for the November 2027 ballot," he said. Signatures can legally carry over, positioning the group for a stronger push next year.
The initiative, accessible at axohtax.com, seeks to ban property taxes on land, buildings, structures, crops and other real assets — a bold step toward true homeownership and restoring the American Dream for families, seniors and young buyers priced out of the market.
Supporters, including thousands of volunteers organized into zones and county teams, praise the effort for already transforming the political conversation. Legislative leaders have acknowledged that the petition threat has accelerated discussions on tax relief, forcing action where little existed before. Co-hosts Joe and Jonathan highlighted how the drive has empowered everyday Ohioans.
Massie drew on powerful testimonials, including a video of former state Rep. and Lake County Commissioner Ron Young, who described government's tendency to prioritize self-preservation and growth over taxpayers. He also referenced Rep. Dan Troy's remarks on school funding as a form of wealth redistribution. These insights, Massie said, underscore why private property rights — enshrined in Article I, Section 1 of the Ohio Constitution — must be protected.
"The American dream is quickly evaporating," Massie warned, noting that seniors face being priced out of homes while younger generations struggle to buy in. He argued Ohio has a spending, fraud, waste and abuse problem, not a revenue shortfall, and urged officials to honor their oaths to the state Constitution.
The group offered practical recommendations for responsible governance: consolidating Ohio's 611 school districts to cut administrative bloat, eliminating unnecessary educational service centers, implementing zero-based budgeting, reducing the number of taxing authorities, curbing excessive cash reserves held by local entities, and prioritizing core services like police, fire and roads through more efficient state revenue sharing. Massie stressed the campaign does not expect current bloated spending levels to be fully replaced.
"This is more than a dollar and cents issue. It is a nonpartisan issue," Massie said. "Private property is the foundation of our freedom and liberty." He invoked the sacrifices of American veterans and questioned whether the nation's 250-year experiment in constitutional republicanism can endure if citizens are treated as renters from the government.
The announcement drew supportive commentary during the broadcast. Jonathan shared stories of residents, including widows who lost homes over unpaid taxes, underscoring the human cost. Massie thanked dedicated volunteers, zone leaders and allies like Lake County Commissioner John Pletchnik, who has faced criticism for backing the people’s effort.
Opponents have raised concerns about impacts on schools and local services, but Ax Ohio Tax counters that smarter spending, consolidation and accountability can sustain essential functions without the threat of foreclosure over property taxes. The campaign positions itself as a defender of liberty against an overreaching public sector that has outgrown the private economy's capacity to support it.
With a full year ahead, organizers plan a robust summer of petitioning at fairs and community events, aiming for overwhelming support that sends a clear message: Ohioans are in charge. Massie said he has reached out to potential leaders, including Vivek Ramaswamy, and welcomes dialogue with officials willing to deliver significant relief.
If approved by voters, the amendment would require only a simple majority. The delay is expected to further energize the movement and intensify pressure for genuine tax reform.
