The Alliance Scores a Legislative Win! Ohio Governor Protects Newspapers, Books, and Printed Materials in Final Budget
by Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Manager Jul 2, 2025

On June 30, 2025, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued a line-item veto of a budget provision that would have eliminated the state’s longstanding sales and use tax exemption for newspapers, books, and printed materials. 

There were three concerning tax exemption changes in H.B. 96, the state's budget bill: 

  • A repeal of the sales tax exemption on newspapers. Newspapers would be taxed at 5.75%, amounting to another hit on small businesses and Ohio residents who purchase newspapers.
  • A repeal of the sales tax exemption on direct mail, flyers, catalogs and other printed materials, which would hurt businesses producing targeted advertising and marketing materials. 
  • A repeal of the sales tax exemption related to machinery, equipment and material used in the production of the printed product. This would include printing presses, bindery lines, and finishing equipment, as well as core consumables like ink, coatings, film, plates, and paper.

On June 23, 2025, PRINTING United Alliance issued an urgent Action Alert for people residing in Ohio or operating a facility in Ohio to send a message to their state representatives and Governor DeWine. The Alliance and its members urged the Governor to use his line-item veto authority to strike the provisions in H.B. 96 that would repeal the sales and use tax exemptions on essential equipment, materials, and services, significantly raising costs for printers, publishers, and advertisers. 

There was a tremendous response to the alert, and ultimately, Governor DeWine vetoed the repeal of the sales and use tax exemption impacting the printing community, making this a huge state legislative win for the Alliance. 

Governor DeWine's veto message notes:

"Newspapers serve a critical role in our society to inform the public about important issues, allow for civic engagement and discourse, and help bolster local communities. Further, the materials used to produce printed materials for sale are important as these materials aid in the creation of newspapers, books, and other printed materials that are important to our society. Revoking the existing sales and use tax exemptions on these forms of media is unnecessary and will reduce civil discourse in our state."

The Alliance applauds Governor DeWine’s leadership in recognizing the vital role of newspapers, books, direct mail, and the broader printing community.

We are grateful to the advocates that sent a message and made a difference for our essential sector. The tax exemptions have been maintained thanks to your efforts and demonstrates how our collective voice can make a difference. 

In this article, Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Manager, PRINTING United Alliance, reports on a state legislative win. More information can be found at Business Excellence-Legislation or reach out to Steph should you have additional questions specific to how these issues may affect your business: sbuka@printing.org.      

To become a member of the Alliance and learn more about how our subject matter experts can assist your company with services and resources such as those mentioned in this article, please contact the Alliance membership team: 888-385-3588 / membership@printing.org.     


Advocacy Legislation Ohio
Stephanie Buka Government Affairs Manager
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Stephanie Buka is the Government Affairs Manager for PRINTING United Alliance. In this role, she supports Ford Bowers, CEO, the Government Affairs team, and coordinates efforts with contracted lobbying firm, ACG Advocacy. Buka is the chief editor of the Industry Advocate newsletter. She is responsible for advocacy campaigns, policy analysis, strategy development and team leadership, all aimed at promoting the Alliance's legislative agenda. She is also responsible for the administration of the Alliance's political action committee, PrintPAC.

Prior to joining the Alliance, Buka served as a senior legislative researcher, and later as a constituent services coordinator, for the 15-member legislative body representing 1.3 million residents of Allegheny County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition to drafting legislation and addressing constituent concerns, Buka cultivated strong relationships with appointed and elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels of government.

Buka holds a master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from the University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA). She also earned a master's degree in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, along with a Certificate in Forensic Science and Law from Duquesne University.

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