Senate passes Johnson bill to help active-duty military purchase a home
The Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 257 sponsored by State Senators Terry Johnson (R-McDermott) and Brian Chavez (R-Marietta) to expand eligibility for the Ohio Homebuyer Plus Program to more active-duty military members.
Senate Bill 257 allows active-duty military personnel who reside in another state but are deployed in Ohio to participate in the Ohio Homebuyer Plus Program. This program creates a special tax-incentivized savings account for the purchase of a home.
“Our active duty military personnel often come to the Buckeye State to serve our country, and we should welcome them to stay with open arms," Johnson said. "Extending the successful Homebuyer Plus Program to our nation's heroes who want to become Ohioans is an obvious choice. Let it be known far and wide: we in Ohio love and support the brave men and women who serve our great nation in uniform."
“This program encourages service members who are stationed in the Buckeye State to put down roots when they fall in love with our state," said Chavez. "I look forward to seeing this legislation create more ease for military personnel who serve their country so courageously."
The Ohio Homebuyer Plus Program was implemented earlier this year through the Ohio Treasurer's office and has been highly successful with over 10,300 accounts open and 50 financial institution partnerships. It allows Ohioans to save money for an upcoming down payment on a home. For more information about the Ohio Homebuyer Plus Program, visit https://www.tos.ohio.gov/homebuyerplus/.
Senate Bill 257 now heads to the Ohio House for consideration.
Senator Johnson represents the 14th District in the Ohio Senate, which encompasses all of Adams, Brown, Clermont and Scioto counties. Learn more at www.OhioSenate.gov/Johnson.
Publisher's note: A free press is critical to having well-informed voters and citizens. While some news organizations opt for paid websites or costly paywalls, The Highland County Press has maintained a free newspaper and website for the last 25 years for our community. If you would like to contribute to this service, it would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be made to: The Highland County Press, P.O. Box 849, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Please include "for website" on the memo line.