The Ohio chapter of a libertarian-leaning grassroots organization has proposed a new framework for lawmakers to consider as Ohio’s 136th General Assembly starts.
Americans for Prosperity-Ohio released its “Buckeye Blueprint” legislative agenda this week. The group said the blueprint proposes “bold reforms to create a stronger, more prosperous Ohio,” focuses “on delivering real results for Ohioans” and is built on economic freedom, school choice, and energy abundance.
“At Americans for Prosperity, we’re committed to championing common-sense policies that advance prosperity and opportunity in Ohio,” AFP-OH State Director Donovan O’Neil said in a statement. “Our priorities in the Buckeye Blueprint agenda focus on the issues that matter most to Ohioans. This is more than just a policy agenda - this is a movement to engage the community, empower coalitions, and embolden policy champions to change the narrative and focus on delivering real results.
“We are eager to kick start our work at the start of the 136th General Assembly and look forward to collaborating with lawmakers to deliver change and create a better future for Ohio,” O’Neil added. “We anticipate plenty of hard work ahead, but we’re committed to being a force for positive change for every Ohioan.”
Under the banner of economic freedom, AFP-OH said lawmakers should champion the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act. The group contends that redirecting significant rulemaking from regulatory bodies to legislative approval would increase accountability.
The group said Ohio’s leaders should promote Truth in Taxation legislation, control property tax growth and advance a 0% personal income tax, which would allow Ohioans to keep more of their money. They should also reform public pensions by enhancing transparency, improving fund management and modernizing retirement savings options.
Under the banner of energy abundance, AFP-OH said lawmakers should repeal the Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative subsidies. This would lower energy costs, which the group said currently cost consumers roughly $500,000 daily.
Lawmakers should also remove barriers to innovation. “Current regulations and taxes are killing energy development projects, leading to depleted energy supplies,” the group said.
AFP-OH also said Buckeye State leaders should support the “all of the above” approach and ensure competition in the fuel source marketplace. This would lead to more affordable and reliable energy.
Under the banner of school choice, AFP-OH said lawmakers should advance school choice in education. Maximizing educational freedom would allow every child to receive a high-quality education.
They should also champion universal public school access. “Give students the opportunity to thrive in their education regardless of zip code or income bracket while creating competition for a stronger-performing public school system,” the group said.
Lawmakers should also eliminate means testing and remove barriers in the EdChoice voucher system to ensure every child can choose an education option that fits their unique needs.
School choice could remain a hot topic for Columbus legislators this session. Separately, the Buckeye Institute, a Columbus think tank, told lawmakers they should remember their promise to make “school choice universally available.”
The think tank said lawmakers allowed all families to secure EdChoice scholarships in the last operating budget, “effectively making school choice universal throughout the state.” Ohio families have gravitated to the scholarships, and the number of recipients has more than doubled from 50,200 in 2021 to nearly 130,000 in 2024, the Buckeye Institute said.
Against this backdrop, Amy Acton, Ohio’s controversial former director of public health and 2026 gubernatorial candidate, wants to use potential changes to school funding to score political points, vaguely promising to help students. Acton, director of the Ohio Department of Health for parts of 2019 and 2020, has never helped public elected office.
