COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has signed the state's massive operating budget, which includes funding for a new Cleveland Browns domed stadium and provides tax cuts for the wealthy.
You can watch his press conference on the signing below:
At 11:15 p.m. Monday, DeWine announced he approved the about $60-billion Republican spending bill. As of 1:30 a.m., he was only midway through scanning his 67 line-item vetoes, spokesperson Dan Tierney said.
So far, we know several items approved in the budget.
The Browns will be getting $600 million for their new Brook Park stadium.
The Haslams released the following statement on the governor's signing:
“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. Our fans deserve a world-class facility, and we are committed to building a state-of-the-art enclosed stadium that resonates with Cleveland, highlighting our loyal and passionate fans and the Dawg Pound, while also incorporating innovation, bold design, and an immersive experience. The new enclosed Huntington Bank Field will be completely fan-centric, a first-of-its-kind design in the NFL, and a dynamic venue that draws visitors from across Ohio and beyond, for concerts and significant sporting events throughout the year. This premiere facility will anchor a major lifestyle and entertainment development and be a catalyst for one of Northeast Ohio’s largest economic development projects ever and something our community will be proud of and can enjoy for years to come. We appreciate the support of State leaders and their belief in this transformative project.”
The budget calls for the state to take legal ownership of $1.7 billion in unclaimed funds, setting a clock on how long people have to file claims and get reunited with their missing money.
RELATED: Ohio lawmakers settle on unclaimed funds to put $600M into new Browns stadium
That’s a major change for Ohio, which currently holds unclaimed funds in perpetuity. The budget will give people a decade to claim their money before it becomes the state’s property. Lawmakers want to grab $1.7 billion out of Ohio’s $4.8 billion pool of unclaimed funds right away — and then continue taking money on a rolling basis, after a decade of holding it.
The budget also changes a state law designed to make it harder for pro sports teams to leave publicly subsidized facilities, clearing a significant obstacle from the Browns' road to Brook Park.
RELATED: Lawyers plan to sue if state takes unclaimed funds for Browns
The new language says the so-called Modell law, designed to prevent major sports teams from pulling up stakes, would only come into play if a team chose to leave the state.
The changes to the law are likely to end a court battle that's just getting started and take leverage away from the City of Cleveland, which is fighting to keep the Browns on the lakefront or negotiate a better exit deal if the team leaves.
Income tax
He also approved the GOP's 2.75% flat income tax, meaning the highest earners in the state, those making more than $100,000 a year, will no longer have to pay 3.5% in income tax, making them equal to the lower tax bracket.
RELATED: Ohio Senate GOP moves to give wealthiest Ohioans tax cut
State data reveals that this could result in a loss of more than $1.1 billion in the general revenue fund. This was made up by cutting social services and some tax exemptions.
I asked DeWine why he signed the flat tax, since it would come at the expense of services that mainly benefit lower-income Ohioans.
"I can count," DeWine said.
"Meaning?" I asked.
"I can count votes in the General Assembly," he replied, seemingly referencing a veto override.
Medicaid
Tierney confirmed that some aspects of the Medicaid cuts, ones that were set to cut about 800,000 Ohioans off of health care, have been signed into law. Other provisions were vetoed, he said.
Other veteos
Item 22: Youth Homelessness
The governor struck down a provision that would prohibit the Department of Health from distributing funds to youth homelessness shelters that promote or affirm social gender transition. The governor struck down the measure, arguing that a homeless child has already been through a horrible experience and needs to be met where they're at emotionally. Adding a shelter should be able to call a homeless youth a pronoun without fear of losing funding, and no child should be denied a shelter.
Item 27: Non-chartered educational savings accounts
DeWine vetoed a measure that would have created an education savings account for students attending non-chartered religious schools to receive state funding for tuition and other expenses. The governor cited Bishop Sycamore as a reason for the veto, as it highlighted a lack of oversight and compliance mechanisms, which could risk taxpayer dollars.
Item 35: Snap benefits for sugary drinks
While the governor supports making sugar-sweetened, unhealthy drinks ineligible for SNAP benefits, he issued a partial veto of a provision to do so. DeWine said certain ingredients and percentages could cause a delay in implementing a sugar-sweetened beverage waiver. The DeWine-Tressel administration is forming a working group to determine the best course of action for implementation.
Item 53: School board members
The governor struck down a provision that would've made school board candidates appear on the general ballot with a political party designation. The governor says staying non-partisan best serves the interests of students and communities. DeWine added that making these partisan could make it hard for some strong candidates from seeking office.
Item 63: Cash Balance Carry-over
The governor vetoed a provision that would take away some school districts' savings, capping their carryover revenue at 40% and requiring anything additional to be refunded to the taxpayers. The governor says this would undermine efforts by school districts to manage their finances and could lead to more levies failing due to fatigue.
Item 67: Restrictions on Public Libraries
The governor vetoed a provision that would require libraries to keep certain books deemed inappropriate for minors to be kept in a section of the library that wouldn't be easily accessible.
Here is a preview of what could come in his vetoes in the morning
RELATED: What Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine may veto in the state budget
News 5's Michelle Jarboe contributed to this report.
Follow WEWS statehouse reporter Morgan Trau on Twitter and Facebook.
