MIDDLETOWN — Property owners who "can't get no satisfaction" with Ohio's school funding system may have reason to sing with a proposed amendment that would alleviate the burden of funding schools from local homeowners and provide some relief for senior citizens and others on fixed incomes.

Middletown voters rejected a proposed tax levy May 8 that would increase taxes $120 for the owner of a $100,000 home — and many residents have said that the increase would be too much for those on a fixed income, such as retirees or people with disabilities.

In addition to the Getting it Right! for Ohio's Future

amendment, two other proposals to relieve the burden of property taxes for those on fixed incomes are on the horizon.

Gov. Ted Strickland has proposed expanding the homestead exemption plan and state Rep. Courtney Combs, R-Hamilton, is pushing for a bill that would freeze property taxes for those 65 and older.

The proposed amendment, currently in the petition stage to be placed before voters on the November ballot, would guarantee the fundamental right to a "high quality education" for every child in Ohio, according to the Campaign for Ohio's Future, the committee backing the amendment.

The amendment would shift the burden of funding school districts away from local taxpayers to the state and would also exempt senior citizens and people with disabilities from taxation on the first $40,000 of their home's market value.

The amendment has been endorsed by more than 100 school districts and education groups in the state, including the Preble County Educational Services Center, Valley View Local Schools and Kings Local Schools, according to rightforohio.org.

Carlisle board members will vote Monday night on a resolution in support of the amendment proposal.

Strickland wants to expand the homestead exemption to all of Ohio's elderly and disabled citizens. The current exemption gives relief on a sliding scale to citizens 65 or older or persons who are totally and permanently disabled who have an income of $27,000 or less annually.

The governor's proposal would abandon the income stipulation and expand the relief to any person receiving the exemption on the first $27,000 of their home's value. With legislative approval, relief could come as soon as January and the state would reimburse schools and local governments for the revenue they would lose.

Combs has introduced a house bill that would freeze property taxes for those 65 and older, according to Jordan Weiss, Combs' legislative aide. However, Strickland's proposal was introduced into the pending budget at the same time and both would provide relief.

The freeze would save seniors more and Combs may reintroduce his plan, said Weiss.

Staff writers Candice Brooks Higgins and Lynn Hulsey contributed to this article.