The Senate budget includes a lot of things beyond an income tax cut and a tobacco tax increase. It also eliminates a big tax credit advocated by preservationists, urban developers and others who want to see old buildings renovated. Statehouse correspondent Karen Kasler reports.
The Senate budget cuts the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit for at least the next two years.
Architect Duane Van Dyke is on the Heritage Ohio board, and says the credit has led to the investment of $1.4 billion into the rehabbing of 8 million square feet in over 100 abandoned and blighted buildings in 28 communities.
"Prior to the Historic Tax Credit, many of these buildings sat empty for 10, 20 years or longer," Van Dyke said. "Without this, it just doesn't happen."
Senate Democrats have introduced a measure to restore the tax credit. A Senate GOP spokesman says the budget isn't final and the issue is still under discussion.