Wed Jul 02 06:10:00 UTC 2025: ## DeWine Signs Ohio Budget: Browns Stadium Funded, Tax Cuts for Wealthy Included

**COLUMBUS, Ohio** – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed the state’s $60 billion operating budget late Monday night, ushering in a new era of spending priorities for the state. The budget includes controversial measures such as $600 million in funding for a new domed stadium for the Cleveland Browns in Brook Park, significant tax cuts primarily benefiting the wealthy, and changes to how the state handles unclaimed funds.

“We respect the firm commitment and leadership that Governor DeWine, and the Ohio Senate and House have shown in their collaborative work to find a responsible way to support such a transformative project, one that will create a generational impact for our region and the State.” Said the Haslams in a statement.

The stadium funding is being sourced from $1.7 billion seized from the state’s $4.8 billion pool of unclaimed funds, setting a 10-year limit for individuals to claim their missing money before it becomes state property. This move has drawn criticism and potential legal challenges.

The budget also eliminates a legal hurdle for the Browns’ stadium move by altering the Modell Law, now only applying if a team leaves the state entirely. Cleveland City may face lawsuits in response.

A major point of contention is the implementation of a 2.75% flat income tax. While proponents tout it as a simplification of the tax code, critics argue it disproportionately benefits the wealthiest Ohioans, who previously paid a 3.5% income tax on earnings over $100,000. State data indicates that this change could result in a $1.1 billion loss in general revenue, potentially impacting social services and tax exemptions.

When questioned about the impact of the tax cut on lower-income Ohioans, DeWine said, “I can count votes in the General Assembly,” suggesting a potential veto override would be futile.

Despite signing the overall budget, DeWine issued 67 line-item vetoes, modifying certain provisions. These included:

* **Youth Homeless Shelters:** DeWine struck down a provision that would have prohibited funding to shelters affirming social gender transition, arguing for inclusivity and support for vulnerable youth.
* **Non-Chartered Religious Schools:** He vetoed a measure creating education savings accounts for students in these schools, citing a lack of oversight and potential misuse of taxpayer dollars, referencing the Bishop Sycamore scandal.
* **SNAP Benefits for Sugary Drinks:** DeWine partially vetoed a provision targeting sugary drinks, citing implementation concerns and forming a working group to determine the best course of action.
* **School Board Designations:** He struck down a provision allowing political party designations for school board candidates, emphasizing the importance of non-partisanship in education.
* **School District Savings:** DeWine vetoed a provision capping school district carryover revenue, arguing it would undermine financial stability.
* **Library Book Restrictions:** He struck down a measure requiring libraries to restrict access to certain books deemed inappropriate for minors.

The full impact of the budget and the vetoes remains to be seen, but it is clear that it will have significant consequences for Ohio residents across the state.

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