Wed Jul 02 06:10:00 UTC 2025: ## DeWine Issues Record Number of Vetoes in New Ohio Budget

**COLUMBUS, Ohio** – Governor Mike DeWine signed Ohio’s two-year, $60 billion operating budget late Monday, but not without a flurry of 67 line-item vetoes, marking the most he has issued since taking office in 2019.

The vetoes span a wide range of issues, impacting everything from restrictions on sugary drink purchases with food assistance to provisions concerning libraries, LGBTQ+ youth, and school board elections. Notably, DeWine rejected a proposal that would have cut funding for homeless shelters deemed to “promote or affirm social gender transition,” and another requiring libraries to restrict access to sexual orientation and gender identity materials for minors.

DeWine addressed the vetoes at a press conference on Tuesday, explaining the reasoning behind his decisions. He partially vetoed a provision related to SNAP benefits and sugary drinks, citing concerns that specific ingredient definitions could delay federal waiver approval. He also vetoed a repeal of continuous Medicaid enrollment for young children, emphasizing the importance of consistent healthcare for infants and toddlers.

The governor blocked a measure requiring the state to reimburse local governments for emergency services at South Bass Island State Park, arguing for a more “holistic approach” to supporting emergency services across all 76 state parks. He also vetoed a provision that would have prohibited ODNR from requiring licenses for third-party dredge operators.

Several property tax-related provisions were also vetoed due to concerns about the potential impact on local school funding. DeWine emphasized the need for a balanced approach to property tax relief and announced plans to convene a working group to address the issue.

A full list of the 67 vetoes can be found [here].

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