Module 14: Public Advocacy — 2026 Ballot Messaging
1. Narrative pillars
- Transparency over rate hikes: Ohioans already pay; the broken classification system hides the real base.
- Close the loopholes first: Construction fixtures, service enumeration, marketplaces — enforce existing law before defaulting to punitive rates.
- Schools and communities: Property tax change without a plan risks classroom cuts; the $24B solution (Module 13) ties reform to measurable base repair.
2. Plain-language examples (voter-facing)
- "If it's a machine for the business, not the building itself, it shouldn't pretend to be a free renovation." — Module 7
- "Your cart should collect the right tax the first time—not surprise you later." — Modules 11–12**
- "We don't need a 15% sales tax if we collect what the law already says we should." — Module 13**
3. What we ask for
- Real-time validation pilot (Module 12) as infrastructure, not new hidden fees.
- Published leakage estimates by sector so voters see tradeoffs.
- Guardrails for small business compliance cost (Module 9).
4. Public deliverables
Materials this module drives (aligned with Module 1 framework):
| Deliverable | Purpose |
|---|---|
| One-page leave-behind | Local officials — leakage + reform ask without jargon |
| Voter FAQ | Property tax replacement vs. base broadening; assumption disclosure |
| Media kit (3 charts max) | Leakage by sector, rate sensitivity, implementation timeline |
| Conflict report summaries | Real receipts where statute and practice diverge (Modules 2–8) |
5. Risk management
Avoid overclaiming exact dollars without citations. Pair every revenue promise with assumption disclosure. Emphasize process integrity (trust) and fair enforcement (Module 10).
Outcomes
- [ ] One-page leave-behind for local officials
- [ ] FAQ on property tax replacement vs. base broadening
- [ ] Media kit: three charts max — leakage, rate sensitivity, timeline