DeWine pushes hard for child tax credit at coalition’s annual meeting

DeWine’s proposed child tax credit — introduced this week in his fourth and final two-year proposed budget framework — would, if approved, give Ohio families up to $1,000 in tax refunds for each child younger than seven.

It would cost Ohio about $450 million per year, the state estimates.

But DeWine has framed the issue as a way to help Ohio families pay for housing and child care — all aspects of raising children that have gotten considerably more expensive in recent years.

The issue transcends ideology, the governor believes.

“It’s really not an ideological issue,” he said. “You have conservatives and liberals and people coming together on this issue. If we can support these families with a little help, these families are more likely to be able to continue to function well. They’re more likely to be able to feel free to have more children if they want to.”

“We do not want to leave anybody behind,” DeWine said in his public remarks, adding a few minutes later that the child credit would be covered through raising taxes on cigarettes.

“It’s a great trade,” he said.

Also while speaking with reporters, DeWine said “some funds” have been set aside to support Dayton as it hosts the NATO parliamentary assembly’s spring session on Memorial Day weekend.

State and local leaders are conferring and will continue to, DeWine said. He said everyone involved is mindful of security requirements.

“This is not just for Dayton, it’s not just for Ohio,” DeWine said. “Frankly, it’s an international issue, and we want to make sure that the people who come here feel safe and things work out well.”

Officials have said part of downtown Dayton will be transformed into a “NATO Village” security zone from May 21-27.

Dayton looks to welcome about 300 parliamentarians from 32 NATO countries, with families, staff and other officials.

International media also will attend, and the total visitor count could exceed 1,200 people.