Ohio Lawmakers Seek to Tax Tech Giants Over Data Center Breaks

Ohio State Rep. Tristan Rader is pushing to repeal tax breaks for big tech companies like Amazon, Google, and Meta Platforms. The exemption allowed data centers to avoid paying sales tax, resulting in over $1.5 billion in lost revenue last year.

This staggering figure is more than 10 times the original state estimate. The issue gained attention after a news outlet reported on it, prompting Republican Governor Mike DeWine to pause new applications for the exemption in May.

Rader argues that companies like Amazon and Google have 'more money than God' and can afford to build without incentives. He is proposing new taxes and requirements that would force these companies to pay more for power and electrical infrastructure.