Ohio Successfully Uses Local Property Tax Levies to Supplement Senior Services

In the PBS documentary airing in May and June, Caring for Mom & Dad, the second half of the program focuses on policy initiatives to support services for older adults. One interesting highlight is Ohio’s use of local property tax levies that directly supplement senior services.  Begun in the early 1980s as a referendum initiative in just one county, similar programs have been adopted by voters in counties or municipalities in more than 70 of Ohio’s 88 counties. That is an amazing history, especially given the usual hostilities about “new” taxes. Voters appear to recognize that the levies permit unique flexibility to design programs that meet the needs of their community’s seniors, whether in rural or urban areas, such as transportation services or home care subsidies.  The revenue now generated in Ohio, more than $125  million per year, exceeds federal grant funding under the Older Americans Act nationally. 

Ohio’s inspiring “Lady of the Levy,” Lois Dale Brown, is mentioned in the PBS documentary, and she’s profiled, along with additional details about the senior service levies, on the Ohio Department of Aging’s website. 

As a reminder, WPSU-TV is airing Caring for Mom & Dad at 8 p.m. this evening in Pennsylvania, followed by a one hour “Conversations Live” open to incoming calls, texts and emails.  Details available here.