Cleveland, OH
Ohio Senate’s Budget Kills DeWine’s Proposed Affordable Housing Tax Credit Program
Photo by Nick Evans, Ohio Capital Journal
The Ohio Senate’s proposed budget axed a new affordable housing tax credit program first introduced by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine in his budget.
The program would entice developers to construct low-incoming housing by making state tax credits accessible to projects receiving federal aid, but the Senate killed it.
DeWine originally capped the amount of credits to $100 million, and the House boosted it to $500 million.
Instead, the Senate proposed to expand a law that prohibits Low-Income Housing Tax Credit properties from getting a historic rehabilitation tax credit to any other federally subsidized residential rental property.
“We were in no way, shape ,or form ready for the all out assault that the Senate took on rental housing,” said Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO) Executive Director Amy Riegel. “The state housing tax credits was going to be a tool that would have greatly enhanced the number of affordable housing units being built across the state.”
In 2018, there were only 199,118 affordable and available rental units for 455,993 for extremely low-income renters and a shortage of 256,875 units in Ohio, according to a 2021 Ohio Housing Finance Agency report.
“Too many Ohio families lack adequate and affordable housing,” DeWine said during his 2023 State of the State Address. “In recent years, we have experienced lower rates of housing construction and low vacancy rates in rental properties. This has put a strain on our housing market, especially affecting Ohioans with low and moderate incomes.”
Full-time workers in Ohio needed to make at least $17.05 an hour to afford a 2-bedroom apartment in Ohio in 2022, according to a joint report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) and COHHIO.
“After generations of under investment, working families across Ohio are being locked out of dignified, affordable housing,” said Carlie J. Boos, executive director of the Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio.
She praised both DeWine’s and the House’s budgets, calling them “a significant step forward that allows Ohio to create decent homes that our workers and their families can afford.”
The Senate introduced their version of the budget Tuesday with proposed changes likely coming next week. DeWine must sign the budget by June 30.
Abolishing the Ohio Housing Finance Agency
The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) has a proposed budget of $16.8 million for fiscal year 2024 and $17.4 for fiscal year 2025 — a nearly 8% percent decrease for both years when compared to the House’s version of the budget.
But the OHFA would cease to exist as it currently operates under the Senate’s budget by transferring the organization to the newly established Governor’s Office of Housing Transformation starting in January.
“This action politicizes the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, an organization that is not supposed to be political, and it will create significant barriers to the creation of affordable housing,” Riegel said.
When reached for comment, OHFA said they are continuing to review the Senate’s budget.
While all the current employees of OHFA would be kept on staff, this would give the governor the ability to pick the director and appoint all new members.
The number of Tax Credit Authority members would increase from five to seven and the office would have to get the green light from the Tax Credit Authority before approving funding for multifamily rental housing.
The proposed budget would also nix their authority to create pilot programs to increase housing opportunities for “extremely low-income households, pregnant women, and new mothers,” according to an analysis by the nonpartisan Legislative Service Commission.
Originally published by the Ohio Capital Journal. Republished here with permission.
Cleveland (3-8) overcame a couple of late turnovers by quarterback Jameis Winston to come away with their second upset win in recent weeks over an AFC North rival. The Browns defeated the Ravens here, 29-24, on Oct. 27.
“I’d like to compliment the Cleveland Browns,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. “They brought it tonight. It was a hard-fought game. They made more plays over the course of a 60-minute game. We’ve got to own our portions of it. Particularly early on, it took us too long to warm up to the action. We were penalized some with pre-snap penalties. We weren’t really sharp. We got going. Our guys fought. But it wasn’t enough to secure a victory.”
Winston completed 18 of 27 passes for 219 yards with an interception, while Chubb scored a pair of touchdowns while running for 59 yards on 20 carries.
Russell Wilson was 21 of 28 for 270 yards and a touchdown for the Steelers, who dropped to 1-5-1 in their past six trips to Cleveland and 0-4 on Thursday nights against the Browns on the road.
The Steelers had two promising drives to start the game but came away empty both times despite driving into Cleveland territory.
Wilson was sacked on third-and-3 at the Cleveland 32 by Garrett for an 8-yard loss. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin chose to have Chris Boswell attempt a 58-yard field goal, but Boswell’s attempt went wide right to keep the game scoreless.
The Steelers forced a three-and-out and a Cleveland punt and again drove into Browns territory, this time getting to the 38 where they faced fourth-and-2. But Justin Fields, who entered in place of Wilson in the short-yardage situation, was stopped for a two-yard loss, turning the ball over on downs.
The Steelers finally did score on their third possession, as Wilson connected with Calvin Austin III on a 46-yard pass to set up a 48-yard field goal by Boswell and a 3-0 lead.
The Browns, who hadn’t had a first down to that point, answered with a touchdown drive, including converting on fourth-and-1 at the Pittsburgh 16.
“They made some of those fourth-and-shorts and we didn’t,” said Steelers defensive lineman Isaiaah Loudermilk. “We pride ourselves in stopping those kind of plays, and we just didn’t do it.”
Chubb then scored on a 2-yard run to give Cleveland a 7-3 lead with 4:00 remaining in the half.
Looking to get a score before the end of the half, Wilson attempted to step up in the pocket on second down at his own 32, but Garrett got a hand on the ball and knocked it loose. Winston Reid recovered the loose ball at the Pittsburgh 31.
That set up a 34-yard Dustin Hopkins field goal that pushed Cleveland’s lead to 10-3.
Cleveland, OH
Winter Weather Alert: Cleveland, OH Braces for Up to 5 Inches of Lake Effect Snow Tonight
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Cleveland, OH – A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Cuyahoga and Geauga Counties until midnight. Residents should prepare for heavy lake effect snow and hazardous travel conditions.
The National Weather Service warns of total snow accumulations between 3 and 5 inches. The snow is expected to intensify this evening, creating dangerous conditions for the Thursday evening commute. Visibility could drop significantly, making travel difficult across the region.
Local authorities urge drivers to slow down and exercise caution on slick roads. According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, travelers should delay unnecessary trips and monitor traffic updates at www.ohgo.com.
Residents are also advised to watch for icy patches on sidewalks, stairs, and driveways, which could lead to injuries. Heavy snow rates are expected to decrease after midnight, but roads could remain treacherous into Friday morning.
Stay updated on weather and traffic conditions, and take extra precautions to ensure safety during this winter weather event.
Be sure to follow us on Instagram & like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS!
Oh, there’s no place like home for the holidays, which is why you’ll want to check out these fun activities happening across Northeast Ohio.
We break down all the different types of events happening in the area.
Tree lightings
Wade Oval
Wade Oval will be hosting Illuminate the Circle on Nov. 23 from 5-8 p.m.
The lights will be turned on daily from Nov. 24 until Jan. 26.
NELA Park
NELA Park Holiday Lighting Ceremony showcases GE Lighting ‘Holiday Delighter’
NELA Park Holiday Lighting Ceremony will be celebrating its 100-year anniversary this year.
The ceremony will take place on Dec. 6.
WinterLAND
Brian Sobolewski
On Nov. 30, make sure you head down to Public Square to watch the lights turn on across Cleveland.
The annual tree-lighting will be part of a day of celebrations and family-friendly experiences across Cleveland.
For more information, click here.
Annual traditions
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
All aboard!
The holiday season is here, which means the North Pole Adventure on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad has returned.
The event that runs through December 20 has something to offer for the entire family and guest appearances from Santa Claus and his elves.
For more information and tickets, click here.
Wild Winter Lights
Wild Winter Lights returns next month
The popular Wild Winter Lights event will take over the zoo from Nov. 12 until Dec. 30.
The event features more than one and a half million lights strung across multiple holiday-themed areas in the zoo.
For more information, click here.
Magic of Lights
Magic of Lights drive-thru more than doubles traffic as families safely celebrate holiday season
Magic of Lights is returning to the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds this holiday season.
The light show opens on Nov. 27 and closes on Jan. 4.
Click here for more information.
Performances
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Carsten Steinhausen
It wouldn’t be the holidays without the Trans-Siberian Orchestra coming to town.
This year, their concert is on Dec. 27 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
To learn more, click here.
Cleveland Orchestra
Roger Mastroianni/Roger Mastroianni
The Cleveland Orchestra
CLEVELAND ORCHESTRA CHORUS,
MEMBERS OF THE BLOSSOM FESTIVAL CHORUS
CLEVELAND ORCHESTRA CHILDREN’S CHORUS
Brett Mitchell, conductor
Lisa Wong, conductor
CAPATHIA JENKINS, vocal
Photo by Roger Mastroianni
The Cleveland Orchestra might perform concerts year-round, but during the month of December, they perform sounds of the holiday season.
The holiday concerts are performed from Dec. 11 through the 22.
For more information, click here.
The Nutcracker
The beloved holiday show, The Nutcracker, will be taking over Playhouse Square.
Come and watch the Cleveland Ballet perform the holiday classic.
For more information, click here.
A Christmas Carol
Even if you’re a Scrooge, you will enjoy this show.
A Christmas Carol will be performed at Playhouse Square from Nov. 24 until Dec. 23.
For more information, click here.
Winter break camps
Great Lakes Science Center
Great Lakes Science Center 
The Science Center will be hosting STEM camps from Dec. 23 until Dec. 37 and from Dec. 30 to Jan. 3.
Kids will learn about space, chemistry, engineering and more.
Click hereto learn more.
Indoor activities
Cleveland Museum of Art
Photo by Kaylyn Hlavaty.
Looking for something fun and free to do while your kids are off school?
Head to the Cleveland Museum of Art to check out their new exhibits.
For more information, click here.
Natural History Museum
Drew Scofield | News 5 Cleveland
Have you missed going to the history museum? They reopen on Dec. 15.
For more information, click here.
News 5 currently has sponsorship agreements with University Circle, Inc., organizer of the Wade Oval holidays events; Live Nation, organizer of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert; and the Great Lakes Science Center, host of the holiday camps.
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