### Ohio's $60 Billion Budget: A Controversial Investment in the Cleveland Browns Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has officially signed a significant two-year operating budget totaling $60 billion, which includes a controversial allocation of $600 million for a new domed stadium for the Cleveland Browns. This budget also introduces a flat income tax rate of 2.75%, primarily benefiting wealthier residents. The decision has sparked debate among lawmakers and the public regarding the prioritization of sports funding over other essential services, such as education and healthcare. Critics argue that the budget reflects a misallocation of state resources, while supporters claim it will stimulate economic growth in the region. ### Breakdown of the Budget's Key Components 1. **Funding for the Cleveland Browns Stadium** - The budget allocates **$600 million** for a new domed stadium in Brook Park for the Cleveland Browns, a move that has drawn mixed reactions from the public and lawmakers [https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/politics/ohio-politics/ohio-gov-mike-dewine-signs-budget-giving-600m-to-cleveland-browns-and-tax-cut-to-wealthy]. 2. **Flat Income Tax Implementation** - A **flat income tax rate of 2.75%** will be introduced, which is expected to primarily benefit higher-income earners, raising concerns about equity in tax policy [https://www.wosu.org/2025-07-01/dewine-approves-flat-income-tax-600m-for-cleveland-browns-stadium-in-two-year-ohio-budget]. 3. **Vetoes and Legislative Process** - Governor DeWine exercised his veto power on **67 items** within the budget but allowed the stadium funding and tax cuts to proceed, indicating a strategic prioritization of these elements [https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/ohio/ohio-governor-mike-dewine-state-budget-cleveland-browns-stadium-funding-brook-park-flat-tax-rate/95-bfc46cef-6a2a-4768-8a22-bf97965e5118]. 4. **Political Context and Reactions** - The budget passed largely along party lines, with **Republican support** and **Democratic opposition**, highlighting the political divide over fiscal priorities in Ohio [https://www.wcpo.com/news/state/state-ohio/here-is-what-is-in-the-ohio-gop-budget-bill-going-to-gov-dewines-desk]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Budget Allocation**: - Total budget: **$60 billion** - Stadium funding: **$600 million** - Flat tax rate: **2.75%** - **Political Dynamics**: - Vetoes: **67 items** vetoed by DeWine - Legislative support: Predominantly **Republican** votes in favor, with **Democratic** opposition [https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2025-06-26/ohio-budget-bill-with-browns-stadium-funding-lgbtq-restrictions-heads-to-gov-mike-dewine]. ### Conclusion: A Divisive Budget with Long-Term Implications In summary, the newly signed Ohio budget reflects a significant investment in sports infrastructure while implementing a flat tax that favors wealthier residents. The decision to allocate **$600 million** for the Cleveland Browns stadium has raised questions about the state's fiscal priorities, particularly in light of the **$60 billion** budget's broader implications for public services. 1. **Major Findings**: - The budget prioritizes sports funding over other essential services. - The flat tax rate may exacerbate income inequality in Ohio. 2. **Implications**: - Economic growth is anticipated, but at what cost to public welfare? - The political landscape may shift as public opinion on these allocations evolves. This budget will likely continue to be a focal point of discussion as its impacts unfold over the coming years [https://www.wtol.com/article/news/local/ohio/ohio-state-budget-plan-passes-house-senate-seeks-approval-by-dewine/512-e39b9370-9603-41bd-a09e-4ef4ff171ad2].