Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signs 2-year, 60 billion budget

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed a two-year, $60 billion budget that flattens the state's income tax and allocates $600 million for a new Cleveland Browns stadium. The budget was approved shortly before the midnight deadline and includes 67 line-item vetoes, including one that would have cut funding for homeless shelters and another that would have restricted access to library materials on sexual orientation. DeWine's vetoes mark a record high since he took office in 2019, with lawmakers now having the option to override them. The Republican-controlled Legislature touted the budget's provision of $1 billion in income tax relief and its efforts to trim spending and regulations. Democrats criticized the budget as prioritizing the wealthy, with some threatening legal action against the use of unclaimed funds for the stadium.

The budget phases in a flat tax rate of 2. 75% for those earning over $26,050, eliminating the existing 3. 5% rate for higher earners by 2026. DeWine characterized the allocation for the stadium as a significant benefit for taxpayers, while the Browns hailed the budget as a milestone for their organization. The plan has faced backlash from local lawmakers who argue it serves the interests of the team's billionaire owners.