DaytonDailyNews.com

Eligible homeowners who didn't apply for the homestead property tax exemption last year now have another chance to sign up. County auditors are now accepting applications through June 2, 2008.

The second round of applications is designed for homeowners just turning 65 or those who did not apply last year. To be eligible, property owners must be 65 or older or permanently and totally disabled.

The expanded homestead exemption allows eligible property owners, regardless of income, to exempt $25,000 of the market value of the home they owned and occupied on Jan. 1, 2007 from property taxes. On average, participants save $400 off their tax bill.

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Wulsin, Black spar over ads, debate

Democrats Victoria Wulsin and Steve Black, both running for Ohio's second congressional seat, exchanged press releases blasting one another over campaign

choices.

Black, considered the underdog, challenged Wulsin to a debate. Wulsin fired back by saying she's already made 24 joint appearances with Black, including "at least 11 forums" where the two candidates answered questions. She urged Black to "stop his political bickering and negative campaigning" and join her in refusing congressional health care until there is universal coverage. Black then retorted that he would also refuse congressional health care.

"Vic Wulsin just doesn't get it — this election is not about me, or about her, or about symbolic pledges," continued Black. "It's about the hardworking people from our part of Ohio and their health care, their jobs, their future."

The second congressional seat is currently held by Rep. Jean Schmidt, R-Loveland. Schmidt narrowly beat Wulsin in 2006.

Wulsin garners union support

Wulsin also last week announced a lengthy list of unions who have pledged to support her.

They include: the American and Ohio Federation of Teachers, the Service Employees International Union, the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), the United Auto Workers and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.

Hobson political dynasty grows

Rep. David Hobson and his wife Carolyn welcomed their seventh grandchild on Dec. 31.

Evan Alexander Hobson, son of Doug and Stephanie Hobson, was born at the Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe. He weighed

7 pounds and 8 ounces, and measured 20 inches long. He's the couple's fifth grandson.

Niehaus moves into Senate leadership

State Rep. Tom Niehaus,

R-New Richmond, will serve as Senate majority floor leader, the number three spot in the Senate leadership ladder.

Niehaus was elected to the Ohio House in 2000 and then won a seat in the Senate in 2004. He replaces state Sen. Randy Gardner, R-Bowling Green, who is being appointed to a vacant seat in the Ohio House.

Minority leader Fedor out, Miller in

Senate Democrats staged a quiet coup last week, replacing Minority Leader Teresa Fedor, D-Toledo, and Assistant Minority Leader Tom Roberts, D-Dayton.

Taking in the top two slots are state Sens. Ray Miller,

D-Columbus, and Shirley Smith, D-Cleveland.

Fedor led her team for a year – usually leadership teams stay in place for the two-year legislative session. Democrats control 12 of the 33 Senate seats.