Taxes, Amendments, And Legislation

Top of Mind

Meanwhile, other states are leaving Ohio in the dust. California, New York, and Massachusetts have already hit $15 an hour, with Alaska, Missouri, and even Nebraska joining the $15 club in the coming years. King County, Washington, is raising its minimum wage to $20.29, although even that pales compared to the $30.08 living wage required for a single adult there.

Advocates in Ohio, like One Fair Wage, continue to push for a $15 minimum wage, aiming for a 2025 ballot measure after last year’s campaign fizzled in what Secretary of State Frank LaRose called a “goat rodeo.” While their efforts might someday make meaningful change, the reality for now is that most Ohioans are left calculating how far an extra quarter can stretch. Spoiler: not far.

At the heart of it all is a simple truth: these incremental raises might help cover the cost of a gallon of gas, but they won’t stop anyone from choosing between rent and groceries. Until Ohio treats wages as more than a symbolic gesture, we’ll keep calling it what it is: change you’ll barely notice.

Franklin County Sales Tax: Paying More, Waiting Longer

Starting April 1, Franklin County’s sales tax will rise by 0.5%, bringing the total to 8% in most areas. Approved by voters as part of the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) levy, this increase aims to fund the LinkUS project, which promises better public transit and safer infrastructure…eventually.

So, where’s your money going? COTA plans to introduce five new “bus rapid transit” (BRT) lines, starting with the West Broad Street corridor in 2028. These buses will get dedicated lanes, rail-style boarding platforms, and priority at traffic lights, making them faster and more efficient than the usual Columbus crawl. The levy will also fund over 500 miles of new sidewalks, bike paths, and multi-use trails, a much-needed boost for a region where walking and biking often feel like extreme sports.

But while the vision is big, the wait is long. The increased sales tax kicks in this spring, affecting everything from restaurant bills to online orders, months before residents see a single shovel hit the ground. And if you’re in the Licking County slice of Reynoldsburg, your sales tax will jump to a whopping 8.25%, the highest in the area.

Thankfully, some basics like groceries and prescription medications are exempt. But for bigger purchases like cars, there’s no escaping the tax. Ohio calculates vehicle sales tax based on where you live, not where you buy, so driving to another county won’t save you a dime.

COTA’s plan could transform Columbus into a more connected, walkable city, someday. For now, though, it’s just a little more out of your wallet and a lot of waiting for sidewalks, bike paths, and buses that work as promised. Let’s hope the extra change at the register is worth the long-term change on the streets.

Scarlet Letter Trivia

Question: On which date did Columbus, Ohio, experience its highest daily snowfall on record?

A) January 14, 2009
B) March 8, 2008
C) February 16, 2003
D) December 3, 1957

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Transparency for Sale: Ohio’s $750 Paywall

In Ohio, access to public records just got a lot more expensive, and a lot less accessible. Governor Mike DeWine recently signed a law allowing law enforcement agencies to charge up to $750 for processing requests for bodycam, dashcam, and jail surveillance footage. Because nothing says “public transparency” like slapping a premium price tag on it.

The measure, quietly tucked into a 450-page omnibus bill during a late night legislative scramble, bypassed public hearings and debate, because who needs oversight on a law that fundamentally changes access to public records? Under the new rules, agencies can charge $75 an hour to review and redact footage, requiring payment upfront. Critics argue this creates a massive financial barrier, particularly for journalists and advocacy groups working to uncover police misconduct or corruption.

“This is a big blow to transparency,” said Gary Daniels of the ACLU of Ohio. “Instead, we’re going to have a paywall situation.”

Governor DeWine, however, defended the change, insisting the fees are capped and optional, giving agencies discretion to charge for their time. He framed it as a necessary measure to help smaller police departments manage the “burden” of processing complex requests. But opponents see it differently: as a significant step backward for government accountability.

Supporters of the law, like the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police, argue that it prevents abuse of the public records process, pointing to so-called “auditors” who inundate departments with requests. But let’s be real: this law will disproportionately affect individuals and organizations trying to shine a light on issues like police shootings and systemic misconduct, cases where the public has the most to lose from limited access.

And it’s not just the fees. The process itself is raising red flags. Sneaking such a monumental shift into a bill focused on township zoning laws? That’s the legislative equivalent of burying the lead.

Click-to-Cancel: The FTC’s Gift to these Subscription F#$!’s

What’s Changing?

The FTC’s rule outlines three key consumer protections:

1. Simple Cancellation: No more bait-and-switch tactics. If you signed up online, you can cancel online, no questions asked.

2. Clear Terms: Businesses must disclose subscription details, including billing and cancellation policies, upfront. No more “surprise” fees.

3. Explicit Consent: Companies can’t sneakily enroll you in subscriptions without your clear agreement.

The Industry Pushback

While consumers are rejoicing, businesses are sweating over potential compliance costs. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has expressed concerns about operational flexibility, while telecom and subscription-heavy industries are even threatening lawsuits. Apparently, providing a single, user-friendly button is the hill they’ve chosen to die on.

Trivia Answer:

B) March 8, 2008, when Columbus was blanketed with an impressive 15.5 inches of snow.