Today Americans for Tax Reform commends Gov. John Kasich and the Ohio General Assembly for their leadership in bringing the state budget into balance without tax increases. This historic budget eliminates Ohio’s harmful estate tax, which has driven productive citizens across state lines for decades. Columbus serves as a model for Washington, D.C., where President Obama and Senate Democrats have refused to take tax increases off the table to grapple with America’s untenable overspending problem.

Gov. Kasich is one of 13 governors who have signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, a written promise never to raise taxes. In signing the state budget last night, he has kept that important commitment.

ATR President Grover Norquist issued the following statement:

“As Ohioans prepare to commemorate the Fourth of July this weekend, they can also celebrate a new fiscal year, where their overall tax burden will be reduced. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Gov. Kasich, Speaker Batchelder and President Niehaus, Ohio’s $8 billion overspending problem has been eliminated without harmful tax increases. This is a new day for the Buckeye State.

“The elimination of Ohio’s onerous death tax is a major step forward for the state’s economy. For decades, Ohioans of all income levels have fled the state to avoid this excessive added layer of taxation. Now small business owners, family farmers and middle class taxpayers will be encouraged to stay home to create jobs and grow the economy.

“In addition to the Governor, Speaker and Senate President, I commend Taxpayer Protection Caucus Chairs Rep. John Adams and Sen. Shannon Jones for their leadership in advocating on behalf of taxpayers in their respective chambers, and Treasurer Josh Mandel for his leadership in support of death tax repeal. Together they have given Ohioans plenty to celebrate on this holiday weekend.”