Ohio Senate Proposes Unclaimed Funds Plan for Browns Stadium, Bengals Funding Uncertain

Ohio's Senate has proposed a new funding plan for stadium projects, focusing primarily on the Cleveland Browns' $600 million new enclosed stadium in Brook Park, which would be financed through a loan secured by unclaimed state funds and a $100 million commitment from the Browns' owners, the Haslam family. This plan is seen as an improvement over previous proposals involving bonds, as it avoids interest costs and creates a more flexible "Culture and Sports Facilities Fund" potentially usable for other projects, including the Cincinnati Bengals or a future lakefront stadium. However, the Senate's two-year state budget excludes direct funding for the Bengals' $830 million Paycor Stadium renovations, although the Bengals remain open to state support, and a grant system prioritizing the Browns' stadium was established, leaving Bengals' funding uncertain. The Senate budget also includes provisions allowing Hamilton County to levy a cigarette tax to support regional arts, culture, and potentially stadium projects. Critics, including some Democratic leaders, oppose using unclaimed funds for stadium financing, arguing the money could be better spent on social services like childcare and education. Overall, the Ohio government is balancing multiple stadium projects with innovative but contested funding mechanisms amid political debates over priorities and fiscal responsibility.