Governor Mike DeWine signed Ohio’s $60 billion two-year budget at 11:15 p.m. Monday night, officially approving $600 million in unclaimed state funds for the Cleveland Browns’ proposed domed stadium in Brook Park. The governor issued 67 line-item vetoes but allowed the stadium funding to proceed.
Major Vetoes Include: DeWine sided with schools and libraries in many of his vetoes. He struck down a provision that would have required public libraries to segregate materials related to sexual orientation or gender identity away from minors, calling the restrictions “vague.” He also vetoed a plan to limit school districts’ cash reserves to 40% of their annual operating budget, saying it would force more frequent levy elections.
Other significant vetoes included blocking a $35.1 million voucher program for religious private schools, rejecting plans to make school board elections partisan, and vetoing multiple property tax relief measures that would have impacted school funding. DeWine also protected automatic Medicaid enrollment for newborns until age four and rejected restrictions on SNAP benefits for sugar-sweetened beverages due to implementation concerns.
DeWine said the funding met his criteria because it came from unclaimed funds rather than the general fund that competes with education and mental health programs. The Browns will repay the state through tax revenues generated by the stadium and mixed-use development over 16 years.
The Haslam Sports Group completed the purchase of 176 acres in Brook Park for $76 million last Thursday through Primary Development LLC. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said groundbreaking is planned for early next year if state funding was approved.
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb expressed disappointment, stating the move will divert economic activity from downtown and disrupt lakefront development plans. Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne called the budget “morally bankrupt” and has urged opposition to the project.
The $2.4 billion domed stadium is part of a mixed-use development that would cost roughly another billion dollars. Brook Park is expected to contribute more than $400 million in taxpayer funding for the project.
The budget also modifies Ohio’s Art Modell Law, which was designed to prevent professional sports teams from leaving taxpayer-funded facilities. The new language would only apply if a team chose to leave the state, clearing an obstacle for the Browns’ move within Cuyahoga County.
State Legislation Signed Into Law
Governor DeWine signed multiple bills into law Monday night including measures affecting law enforcement, veterans services, and agricultural recognition.
Law Enforcement Changes: Senate Bill 114, sponsored by State Senator Thomas Patton, prohibits law enforcement agencies from using quotas for arrests and citations.
Veterans Services: Senate Bill 39 requires creation and display of posters containing information on benefits and services for veterans.
Senior Benefits: House Bill 64 allows Ohio residents age 65 and up, instead of 66 and up, to qualify for discounted hunting and fishing licenses and permits.
Health Awareness: Senate Bill 27 designates March 20 as “Ameloblastoma Awareness Day.”
Agricultural Recognition: House Bill 65 makes specified day and week designations relating to agriculture under the Agriculture Appreciation Act.
Memorial Highway: House Bill 50 designates a portion of State Route 47 in Darke County as the “PFC John Wayne Richard Memorial Highway.”
Additional Measures: The governor also signed bills addressing building inspections, nonprofit agricultural organizations’ insurance regulations, alcohol and drug addiction services, solid waste management, and workers’ compensation funding.
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