5 days ago
Gov. Mike DeWine signs Ohio's $60 billion budget, issues 67 line-item vetoes
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Gov. Mike DeWine signed the Ohio's $60 billion budget into law late Monday, just 45 minutes before the midnight deadline.
The 2026-27 measure, which was approved in both state chambers last week, earmarks $600 million in taxpayer dollars for a new Cleveland Browns stadium in Brook Park. The money will come from the state's unclaimed funds trust.
DeWine also signed the provision changing Ohio's income tax to a flat tax rate into law.
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A spokesperson for the governor's office said that DeWine issued 67 vetoes, the most of his two terms as governor.
'This budget builds upon my commitment to make Ohio the best place for everyone to live their version of the American Dream,' DeWine said in a released statement. 'It prioritizes our children, empowers our workforce, and strengthens our communities. We are investing in the people of Ohio, not just today, but for generations to come.'
'As Ohio continues to attract more jobs, it's important that the state continues to invest in our workforce,' Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel said. 'The budget Governor DeWine signed today does just that and much, much more. It enhances support for career-technical education, job training, and apprenticeship programs tailored to Ohio's industries. These investments will help all Ohioans live up to their God-given potential.'
In a statement, the Ohio Democratic Party slammed the budget as, 'disastrous' writing in part, 'Instead of supporting Ohio families, the Republican legislature passed a budget that only helps their billionaire friends and special interests.'
The governor issued 67 vetoes with many of those issues pertaining to education. One of the most notable vetoes includes the cash balance, carry over veto, which would have placed a 40% cap on the amount of collected property tax that public school districts can carry over from the previous year.
DeWine said while the intention to save taxpayer dollars is understandable, it would lead to more districts asking taxpayers to pass levies more often, which would then increase property taxes instead of reducing them.
DeWine also vetoed the Non-Chartered Education Savings account program. It would have allowed students attending non-chartered, non-public schools to receive state funding.
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But the governor says it risks taxpayer dollars on programs that may have compromised educational quality, or it could risk student safety referencing issues to former NCNP school Bishop Sycamore. However, the governor says this veto also restores a personal income tax credit for NCNP schools.
Another notable veto was on restrictions on public libraries. The governor called the restrictions vague and said that Ohio already has strict laws on obscenity and material harmful to children and he expects that those laws will be enforced.
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