by Marc Kovac
Capital Bureau Chief
The Ohio House overwhelmingly approved legislation Dec. 17 that would allow taxpayers to make contributions to the Ohio Historical Society.
House Bill 75 passed on a vote of 95-1 and heads to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.
It was co-sponsored by Rep. Kathleen Chandler (D-Kent) and Rep. Mike Moran (D-Hudson).
The legislation would create a checkoff box on state income tax forms, allowing filers to send all or a portion of their income tax refunds to the Ohio Historical Society.
The group, in turn, would use the proceeds for grants to support statewide and local historic preservation efforts.
There are three other income tax refund checkoffs that already appear on tax forms: one benefiting natural areas and preserves, one for non-game and endangered wildlife, and one for military injury relief, according to an analysis by the state's Legislative Service Commission.
Chandler said the contributions would help the Ohio Historical Society, which had its state funding cut by 11 percent this year and another 34 percent next year.
"The Ohio Historical Society provides unique opportunities for educators, students and families and learn and experience our history," she said.
Moran in his floor speech noted Hudson's historical marker outside the Hudson Town Hall and other elements of the town's history that have been preserved.
"History is important to all of us," he said. "Connecting to history enhances our civic pride. It enhances our sense of responsibility to those around us, and to both past and future generations."
E-mail Marc Kovac at mkovac@dixcom.com or on Twitter at Ohio Capital Blog.