COLUMBUS, Ohio — On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, the Republican majority in Ohio approved an ambitious two-year budget of $60 billion, which, according to them, will strengthen the state's economic competitiveness. However, the bill, passed in the dead of night behind closed doors in the conference committee, has sparked a wave of criticism from Democrats, who call it a “billionaire's budget” that ignores the needs of workers, education, and vulnerable groups. From generous funding for the new Cleveland Browns stadium to restrictions on LGBT books and transgender health care, this budget has become an arena for ideological battles that could determine the future of the state ahead of Governor Mike DeWine's signing.
Passed in the House of Representatives (59-38) and the Senate (23-10), the budget, known as House Bill 96, received no Democrat votes — the first time since 2001. “This is not a budget for Ohioans,” declared Braed Rose Swiny, the leading Democrat on the House Finance Committee, accusing Republicans of prioritizing the wealthy and sports magnates over children and workers. Five Republicans in the House and one in the Senate joined Democrats in voting against, signaling rare cracks in party unity.
Tax breaks for the wealthy, cuts to social programs
The central element of the budget is the switch to a flat income tax rate of 2.75%, eliminating the progressive rate of 3.5% for earners over $100,000. According to Policy Matters Ohio, this change will benefit predominantly the wealthiest 20% of residents by $1.1 billion, while the lower class will see no change. “Librarians and teachers will pay the same tax as professional athletes and corporate executives,” noted Bailey Williams of Policy Matters Ohio. To offset revenue losses, lawmakers cut funding for social programs, including Medicaid and children's medical initiatives, raising concerns about access to medical services for 3 million low-income Ohio residents.
Cleveland Browns receive $600 million
One of the most controversial provisions is allocating $600 million from the state's unclaimed funds to build the new Cleveland Browns stadium in Bruck Park. Unlike the House proposal, which envisioned a $1 billion bond loan with interest, the Senate chose a direct grant, using $4.8 billion of unclaimed funds — from forgotten bank accounts to unused deposits. “This is not debt; it’s cash,” said Senator Jerry Searino, claiming it will protect taxpayers. However, critics, including two former Democratic legislators, threaten legal action, calling it a “gift” to Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam. Governor DeWine, who previously criticized the debt model, may veto this provision, although his final position remains unclear.
Education: Underfunding and vouchers
The budget hits public schools, reducing funding by hundreds of millions compared to the 2021 Fair School Funding Plan, which required an additional $666–800 million. The House's proposal allocated only $226 million, with the Senate adding $100 million, but this is still insufficient, according to Minority Leader Nikki Antonio. “We are stealing from our children,” she said, pointing to the prioritization of vouchers for private schools that will receive $2.5 billion, including a new Education Savings Account (ESA) program. Restrictions on school reserve funds to 40% of previous budgets will force districts to return surplus funds to taxpayers, which Swiny says “limits local control.” Franklin County Court recently declared the EdChoice voucher program unconstitutional, adding tension to the debate.
LGBT provisions spark outrage
The budget includes a series of measures targeting the transgender community, which activists say are part of a broader campaign to restrict LGBT rights. The bill enshrines the recognition policy of only two genders — male and female — mirroring President Donald Trump’s executive order. It bans Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming psychological care and halts funding for youth shelters providing such support. More than 25,000 homeless students in Ohio, including LGBT youth, could lose access to housing, said Erin O’Cher from Kaleidoscope Youth Center. Additionally, public libraries will be required to isolate books on sexual orientation or gender identity from minors, which critics see as censorship. “This cuts off access to basic needs,” said O’Cher, calling it “uncontrolled extremism.”
Health care and social services
Changes to Medicaid, including quarterly eligibility checks and funding cuts of 1% in 2026 and 1.5% in 2027, could result in coverage loss for hundreds of thousands of Ohioans, including infants. Restrictions on doula services in six counties with the highest child mortality rates have drawn criticism for reducing progress in maternal health. The budget also cut funding for pediatric cancer research and children's visual health initiatives proposed by DeWine. Meanwhile, the Child Care Choice program received support, providing low-income families with funds for child care.
Other controversial provisions
The budget bans the use of SNAP benefits for purchasing sugary drinks, tightens abortion reporting requirements, and alters the makeup of the teachers’ pension board, reducing elected teacher representatives in favor of political appointees. According to Republican Adam Baird, these changes aim to ensure fund stability, but teachers’ unions say they are an attack on workers’ rights. Additionally, an amendment to the Moddell law makes it easier for the Browns to relocate to Bruck Park by removing legal hurdles for Cleveland, which is fighting to keep the team.
What’s next?
The budget now lies on Governor DeWine’s desk, who has until June 30 to sign it or veto individual provisions. In 2023, DeWine issued 44 vetoes, notably on tobacco regulations and vaccines, indicating his willingness to oppose the Republican majority. Whether he vetoes funding for the stadium or anti-LGBT measures remains uncertain, but his earlier statements suggest resistance to the debt model for the Browns. The conference committee, which finalized the budget at 1 a.m., left little time for public scrutiny, prompting accusations of opacity. “Budgets are choices,” Swiny said. “And this choice says Ohio cares more about the wealthy than about its people.”
As Ohio stands at the crossroads between economic growth and social justice, this budget could be a turning point. For a state aiming to maintain competitiveness but struggling with inequality, DeWine’s decisions will determine whether Ohio becomes an example of progress or remains a battleground of ideologies.
