Gov. DeWine hits pause on tax breaks for new data centers in Ohio
Governor Mike DeWine has announced that Ohio will pause new applications for data center sales tax exemptions, effective Monday. This decision comes while state lawmakers conduct a study into the economic and environmental impacts of the data center industry. The move follows a report indicating Ohio lost over $1 billion in revenue last year from these tax breaks.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced an immediate halt to new applications for data center sales tax exemptions, effective Monday. This decision comes as state lawmakers launch a comprehensive study into the economic and environmental impacts of the rapidly expanding data center industry in Ohio.
Governor DeWine stated his general support for data centers, acknowledging their past benefits to the state, but emphasized the prudence of pausing these tax incentives during the review process. The announcement follows a recent report that estimated Ohio lost over $1 billion in revenue last year due to these same data center tax breaks.
State Senator Bill Blessing, a Republican representing Colerain Township, reacted to the Governor's move, expressing appreciation for the pause but also frustration. Blessing noted his prior attempts through three separate bills to eliminate what he termed "corporate welfare" and urged for a permanent end to the tax breaks.