Growing up in Youngstown, I’ve spent my entire life surrounded by the hardworking spirit that defines the Mahoning Valley. I’ve heard countless stories from the factory workers, nurses, truck drivers, and construction crews who keep our state running. These are the folks who built Ohio, just like my grandfather did on the assembly line at Lordstown, and for too long, they’ve been taxed into oblivion by a system that penalizes their extra effort.

As a small business owner myself, I know the grind and stress of building something from the ground up, and that’s why I’m thrilled about the provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill that eliminates taxes on overtime pay. This commonsense reform will put more money in the pockets of working Ohioans — right where it belongs.

This provision isn’t just a good policy; it’s a lifeline for families across our state. Imagine a single mom working overtime shifts at a manufacturing plant to cover rising costs for groceries, rent and school supplies. Or a dad pulling extra hours on the road as a trucker to save for his kids’ education or put a new roof on the house. By eliminating the tax on overtime, we’re ensuring that every additional hour they work translates directly into more take-home pay.

This means stronger families, more disposable income to boost local businesses and a real incentive for Ohioans to step up when our economy needs them most. In a time when inflation has squeezed household budgets and workforce shortages persist in key industries, this reform will encourage hard work, drive economic growth, and help Ohio compete with neighboring states that already have lightened the tax load on their workers.

The provision mirrors legislation I proudly introduced alongside my colleague, state Rep. Nick Santucci, earlier this year. On Feb. 3, we proposed a bill to exempt overtime wages from state income tax, aimed at rewarding those who go the extra mile and addressing the lingering workforce challenges from the pandemic, when Ohio’s unemployment rate spiked above 16%. Our bill was a direct response to the stories I’ve heard from my constituents across the Mahoning Valley, stories of exhaustion and financial stress from people going the extra mile just trying to get by.

I want to extend my sincere thanks to U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno and U.S. Sen. Jon Husted for their leadership in spearheading the One Big Beautiful Bill and securing its passage in the U.S. Senate. Their vision and determination in recognizing that policies like this are critical in rebuilding Ohio’s economy from the ground up.

The One Big Beautiful Bill is a win for Mahoning Valley and the hard workers who call it home. With the bill’s passage, we can ensure that in Ohio, hard work pays off — not just in sweat, but in dollars kept where they belong: with our families. Our state’s future depends on it.

State Rep. Tex Fischer, R-Boardman, a small business owner and lifelong Mahoning Valley resident, proudly represents Ohio’s 59th House District.