In a rapid legislative session, the Ohio House of Representatives passed a sweeping $61 billion state budget with more than 160 changes—all within a 24-hour period. The speed and scale of the amendments have drawn attention across the state, especially as lawmakers reduced education funding while securing $600 million for a new Cleveland Browns stadium.
The budget, House Bill 96, passed with a 60–39 vote on April 9, 2025. All Democratic members and five Republicans voted against it. It now heads to the Ohio Senate for further consideration before the new fiscal year begins on July 1.
One of the most controversial aspects of the budget is the deep cut to the Fair School Funding Plan. Governor Mike DeWine had proposed $666 million in new funding to continue implementing the state’s long-term education formula. However, House lawmakers slashed that amount to roughly $226 million—a reduction of more than two-thirds. Supporters of the Fair School Funding Plan argue that these funds are necessary to ensure equity across districts, particularly for low-income and rural schools.
Beyond funding reductions, the House budget also proposes a major structural change to the State Board of Education. In 2023, lawmakers passed legislation that stripped the board of many of its powers and placed those responsibilities under a new Department of Education and Workforce, which is led by a governor-appointed director. That restructuring limited the board’s role but retained its composition of 19 members—11 elected and 8 appointed.
Now, the 2025 budget proposal goes a step further. It seeks to reduce the board to just five members, all appointed by the governor. As existing elected members’ terms expire or seats become vacant, those positions would be eliminated. The plan would also remove three of the current appointed members. The remaining five would be required to represent a mix of educational interests, including rural, suburban, urban districts, chartered nonpublic schools, and community schools.
Critics argue that this move effectively eliminates public input from the State Board of Education, concentrating decision-making power within the governor’s office. Supporters say the change will streamline oversight and increase efficiency.
Another major element of the budget is the inclusion of $600 million in state-backed bonds for the construction of a new Cleveland Browns stadium. Governor DeWine had originally proposed paying for stadium improvements by increasing taxes on sports gaming. However, the House rejected that plan and instead approved direct public borrowing for the project. This funding decision has sparked debate, especially when paired with reductions to core services like education.
The budget also makes notable changes to child care funding. It adds $50 million per year to the Child Care Choice Voucher Program, allowing more families earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level to receive assistance. However, the House did not adopt the governor’s recommendation to raise eligibility for the broader Publicly Funded Child Care program from 145% to 160% of the poverty level. That decision may leave some working families without access to affordable child care.
In a move affecting local taxes, the budget requires school districts with large carryover balances—those exceeding 30% of their annual budget—to lower property taxes for homeowners in the following year. Supporters of the measure say it will offer tax relief to residents. Opponents worry it could limit districts’ ability to prepare for unexpected costs or economic downturns.
Other provisions in the budget include eliminating previously proposed tax hikes on tobacco, adult-use marijuana, and sports gaming. The House also inserted a controversial requirement for libraries: any books or materials that reference sexual orientation or gender identity must be kept out of sight from children. Supporters claim it protects children from sensitive material; critics argue it amounts to censorship.
The overall process has raised concerns about transparency and public input. With over 160 amendments added and passed in just one day, many stakeholders had little time to review the changes or provide feedback. Lawmakers who opposed the bill cited both the rushed timeline and the content of the changes as reasons for their vote.
As the budget moves to the Senate, further revisions are likely. Senators may restore funding, adjust provisions, or propose their own changes. The final version must be negotiated and passed by both chambers before it is signed into law by Governor DeWine. The fiscal year for the new budget begins on July 1, 2025.
This budget will shape the state’s priorities over the next two years, impacting schools, families, taxpayers, and public services across Ohio.