Ohio GOP Passes $60B Budget Including $600M Browns Stadium Funding

Ohio's Republican-led legislature has passed a $60 billion two-year state budget, which includes a flat income tax rate of 2.75%, $1 billion for private school vouchers, and limits on Medicaid growth, but drew unanimous opposition from Democrats. A contentious $600 million allocation from the state's unclaimed funds will help build a new Cleveland Browns stadium in suburban Brook Park, a move that sparked criticism from Cleveland officials and lawsuits, as well as debate over priorities amid underfunded public education and infrastructure needs. The budget also completes the state takeover of the Ohio State Board of Education by reducing its members to five, all appointed by Governor Mike DeWine. Republicans argue the budget delivers tax relief and reforms property taxes, while Democrats criticize it for favoring wealthy interests and professional sports franchises over fair school funding and healthcare. Governor DeWine now has the option to sign the budget into law or issue line-item vetoes. The budget's passage reflects a clear partisan divide, with Republicans touting fiscal conservatism and Democrats decrying the tradeoffs that they say undermine the middle class and public services.