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Voters in 36 states will be choosing governors this November. Over the next several months, the Tax Justice Digest will be highlighting 2014 gubernatorial races where taxes are proving to be a key issue. Today’s post is about the race for Governor in Ohio.
Current Ohio Governor (and former Congressman) John Kasich (R) is running for reelection against Cuyahoga County Executive Ed Fitzgerald (D). Fitzgerald’s stand on economic issues is promising, in terms of taxes he’s said “that the wealthy should pay their fair share.” It would be hard to find a sitting governor who has done more to ensure the opposite than Gov. Kasich.
Since his election in 2011 Governor Kasich has championed his own series of regressive tax cuts including income tax rate reductions and creating a special new tax break for “pass through” businesses, while providing much smaller tax breaks to low- and middle-income families. Read about ITEP’s work analyzing Governor Kasich’s tax plans here and here.
Governor Kasich hasn’t been shy about his hopes for his next term proclaiming, “I want to work for more tax cuts.” This race isn’t likely one that will capture much attention for fans of the horserace come November, but the outcome will most certainly have a significant impact on Ohio taxpayers.