COLUMBUS, Ohio (WLIO) — The battle over Ohio’s next two-year budget has begun, with key proposals from Gov. Mike DeWine omitted by Republican members of the Ohio House.
The House unveiled its version of the state’s new two-year budget on Tuesday, scrapping DeWine’s proposed tax increases on tobacco, sports betting organizations, and marijuana sales. DeWine’s plan sought to use these tax hikes to fund tax credits for families, stadium projects, and various initiatives, including jail improvements.
Instead, the House plan calls for issuing $600 million in bonds to help fund the construction of a $2.4 billion domed stadium for the Cleveland Browns in Brook Park.
School districts will see a slight funding increase over the next two years, but less than they would have received if the state had adhered to the formula in the “Fair School Funding Plan” passed several years ago. The proposal also includes a requirement for school districts with a carryover exceeding 25% of their yearly operating budget to reduce property taxes.
The plan increases funding for the Brownfield Grant Program, which is being used to demolish and clean up properties like the former Macy’s site.
Additionally, the House budget proposal raises state funding for higher education institutions by 2%, provided they agree not to increase tuition by more than 3%.
The full House must vote on the proposed funding package before it moves to the Ohio Senate for revisions. The budget must be finalized, passed, and signed into law by June 30.
