Ohio

Property taxes, Browns stadium, marijuana money: What to know about Ohio House budget

Published

8 months ago

April 9, 2025

Press Room

Property taxes, Browns stadium, marijuana money: What to know about Ohio House budget

The Ohio House passed a two-year budget plan that would revamp school funding and help pay for a new Cleveland Browns stadium

The Ohio House passed a two-year budget proposal that includes funding for a new Cleveland Browns stadium and changes to school funding.
Other provisions include increased funding for public libraries, restrictions on transgender rights and changes to marijuana revenue allocation.
The budget also addresses other issues, such as election oversight, Medicaid coverage and in-person work for state employees.

Ohio would change how it pays for schools and help the Cleveland Browns build a new stadium under a budget plan approved Wednesday by the Ohio House.

The House voted 60-39 to pass its two-year budget proposal, which outlines how the state would spend money on services and to what extent taxpayers cover the cost. The House budget isn’t the final version: The Senate will make changes, then lawmakers will hash out differences among each other and Gov. Mike DeWine.

DeWine must sign a balanced budget by June 30.

“This is a budget that increases funding for public schools, increases funding for higher education, increases funding for libraries, largest tax relief for property tax in Ohio’s history,” Rep. Brian Stewart, R-Ashville, said.

Here’s what you need to know about the House plan.

Ohio House votes to provide $600M in bonds for new Cleveland Browns stadium

Ohio would provide $600 million in bonds to help the Browns build a domed stadium in Brook Park. Including interest, this would cost the state about $1 billion over 30 years to repay. A last-minute change increased the Browns’ initial deposit by $11.5 million.

House Republicans say the Browns’ plan will transform the local economy and make Ohio a top destination for football fans. But Cleveland leaders and some state officials − including Attorney General Dave Yost − contend the move is illegal, too expensive and may not benefit the state as promised.

On Wednesday, Rep. Ron Ferguson, R-Wintersville, offered an amendment to prevent Ohio from offering loans for professional sports stadiums, but it failed by one vote.

DeWine floated a higher sports gambling tax to pay for stadium projects, but the House scrapped his proposal.

School funding and property taxes

The House budget spends $231 million more on public schools for the next two years, but it abandons the funding formula that Republicans and Democrats approved in 2021. Critics say the plan doesn’t keep up with inflation and amounts to a cut for school districts that expected millions more from the state.

It also would:

Require counties to reduce homeowners’ property taxes if a school district’s reserves exceed 30% of its previous budget.
Spend $35 million to create savings accounts for students who attend non-chartered private schools, which don’t accept vouchers “because of truly held religious beliefs,” according to the Department of Education and Workforce.
Increase the tax credit for home-school expenses from $250 per family to $250 per student.

Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney, D-Westlake, said the money belongs to the citizens.

“We shouldn’t make such drastic decisions that could really implode the way that we are funding our schools and could very seriously lead to even further property taxes,” she said.

Changes to Medicaid program

The House plan would cut Medicaid expansion coverage if the federal government’s funding drops below 90%. It also limits Medicaid coverage for doula services to six counties with the highest infant mortality rates.

The budget prohibits the Department of Medicaid from spending money on diversity, equity and inclusion programs, with the exception of services for people with disabilities.

New plan to pay for public libraries

House lawmakers increased funding for public libraries after outcry over the cuts they initially proposed. But legislators are still spending $90.8 million less than what DeWine pitched.

Lawmakers also changed how libraries are funded: Rather than getting a set percentage of state revenue, the Legislature would decide how much to spend every two years.

The budget would also require libraries to place materials related to sexual orientation or gender identity in adult sections.

What about marijuana revenue?

DeWine wants to increase taxes on recreational marijuana and divert the funding to jail construction, law enforcement training, suicide prevention and more.

The House kept the tax rate at 10% but changed how money would be spent: Municipalities with dispensaries would get 20% of the revenue for five years, and the rest would go into the state’s general bank account. Lawmakers also want to give the Division of Cannabis Control $10 million annually to partner with a statewide nonprofit on substance use prevention and education.

Current law directs revenue to local governments in perpetuity, in addition to funding for addiction services and a now-defunct social equity program.

House plan takes aim at transgender rights

The House budget would make it the official policy of Ohio to recognize only two sexes − something President Donald Trump did immediately upon taking office. It also:

Prohibits Medicaid funding for mental health services that “promote or affirm social gender transition.”
Bans menstrual products in men’s restrooms.
Prohibits money for youth homelessness from being used on gender-affirming care.

What else is in the House budget?

The proposed budget also would:

Eliminate DeWine’s increase in cigarette taxes to fund a $1,000 tax credit for Ohioans with young children.
Abolish the Ohio Elections Commission and shift its authority to the secretary of state’s office or county boards.
Make county coroners an appointed position instead of elected.
Increase pay for local elected officials.
Require adults to provide photo identification to view porn and other material that is “obscene or harmful to juveniles” online.
Make it a crime to create deepfake porn, which uses technology to make explicit images.
Require state employees to work in the office starting Jan. 1.
Provide a $750 income deduction for donations to pregnancy resource centers, which aim to deter people from having an abortion.
Ask the federal government for permission to exclude sugary drinks from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Allow online fireworks sales.

State government reporter Haley BeMiller can be reached at hbemiller@gannett.com or @haleybemiller on X and Bluesky.

State government reporter Jessie Balmert can be reached at jbalmert@gannett.com or @jbalmert on X.

What do you think Ohio lawmakers should focus on in the state budget?

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Ohio

Ohio State’s Ryan Day comments on OSHAA possibly allowing NIL on high school level

Published

13 hours ago

November 20, 2025

Press Room

Ohio State’s Ryan Day comments on OSHAA possibly allowing NIL on high school level

Throughout the week of Nov. 17-21, the Ohio High School Athletic Association will vote on whether to permit name, image, and likeness deals at the high school level, a decision that Ohio State football coach Ryan Day stated could be “a great opportunity” for student-athletes.

“If we would have said this about 10 years ago, I think all of would have been like ‘no way.’ But here we are,” Day said. “We’re in this phase, and I can see it obviously benefiting the student athletes.”

In 2022, the OHSAA voted against allowing NIL for high school athletes, but a lawsuit filed by Jasmine Brown, whose son Jamier Brown is an Ohio State football commit from Huber Heights Wayne, forced the association to reevaluate its NIL guidelines.

According to the lawsuit, it is alleged that Jamier Brown has missed out on over $100,000 in potential NIL revenue because of the state’s prohibition.

Ohio is one of the seven states that still prohibit NIL deals for high schoolers. Two other states, Michigan and Wyoming, also have the possibility of high-school NIL under consideration.

“We’ll let the people making the decision, make the decision,” Day said. “But I think across the country, you’re seeing it’s becoming standard.”

bmackay@dispatch.com

@brimackay15

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How to Watch the Rutgers vs. Ohio State Game Live Online Without Cable for Free

Published

1 day ago

November 19, 2025

Press Room

How to Watch the Rutgers vs. Ohio State Game Live Online Without Cable for Free

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

Rutgers vs. Ohio State has college fans on the edge of their seats. The game is set to kick off at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, which is Ohio State’s last home game of the season.

The Scarlet Knights are coming off an open weekend and a 35-20 victory over Maryland, although it’s important to keep in mind that Ohio State has been undefeated against Rutgers in prior matchups. Ohio State is also coming into this matchup following a win against UCLA 48-10. This marks the two teams 11th matchup.

Ohio State has a few powerhouse players on their side including safety Caleb Downs, wide receiver Carnell Tate and linebacker Arvell Reese, while overall, their defense seems to be the team’s strongest suit. Rutgers’ key player this season is quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis who leads the teams “red-hot” offense which is a stand-out. With that in mind, it should be interesting to see how Ohio State’ s iron-clad defensive line deals with Rutgers’ sneaky, but strong offensive line.

At a Glance: How to Watch Rutgers vs. Ohio State Online

Want to see the game live? See where to buy tickets here.

Looking to watch Rutgers face off against Ohio Sate? Keep reading. Below, we’ve put together a quick guide on some of our favorite ways to watch the game, and a ton of other sports, online including ways to watch games for free.

How to Watch Rutgers vs. Ohio State Online

editor’s pick

DIRECTV

➤ $39.99/month (best plan)
➤ Five-day free trial
➤ Up to 185+ channels

DirecTV is one of our favorite live TV streamer for sports, offering FOX, along with other major sports channels in a few of its plans. The most affordable package with FOX is the MyNews plan, which will run you $39.99 a month. All DirecTV packages start with a five-day free trial.

Here Is How To Watch Rutgers' Matchup Against Ohio State Online Free

FUBO

➤ $54.99/month
➤ Up to $30 off first month
➤ Up to 300+ channels

Another one of the best live TV streaming services for sports is Fubo. This one carries FOX in all of its plans, which start at $54.99 a month, letting you tune into the Rutgers vs. Ohio State games without hassel. However, new subscribers can get a five-day free trial and up to $30 off their first month.

Sling
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➤ $45.99/month
➤ Short-term passes available
➤ Up to 50+ channels

Sling is another service that carries FOX in a few of its plans, giving you access to watch the game with the click of a button. The channel is included in Sling’s Blue and Orange + Blue plans. These start at $45.99 a month.

Here Is How To Watch Rutgers' Matchup Against Ohio State Online Free

Hulu + Live TV
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➤ $89.99/month
➤ Three-day free trial
➤ 95+ channels

Football fanatics can also watch the Rutgers vs. Ohio State game this Saturday on Hulu + Live TV. This is one of the more expensive options on our list, with plans starting at $89.99 a month, but you get 95+ channels, Hulu’s on-demand content, Disney+, and ESPN Unlimited included. The trial period for Hulu + Live TV is three days, plenty of time to watch the game.

Rutgers vs. Ohio State Odds

Ohio State is a significant favorite over Rutgers, with betting lines showing the Buckeyes as a 30.5 to 31.5-point favorite against the spread.

If you want to put money on the Rutgers vs. Ohio State game, check out BETMGM. Rolling Stone readers can get $1,500 paid back in Bonus Bets if they don’t win with code RS1500.

Here Is How To Watch Rutgers' Matchup Against Ohio State Online Free

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Romanian man in U.S. illegally installed card-skimming devices in 3 states, feds say

Published

2 days ago

November 18, 2025

Press Room

Romanian man in U.S. illegally installed card-skimming devices in 3 states, feds say

A Romanian man conspired with others to install card-skimming devices on ATMs in multiple states.
Danut Urseiu, 32, pleaded guilty in May in federal court in Cincinnati to a bank fraud conspiracy charge. He was sentenced Nov. 18. to one year in prison.
Federal prosecutors in Michigan say Urseiu and his foreign national co-conspirators stole information from thousands of people in multiple states.
Urseiu’s conviction in the Cincinnati-area case is his third since 2024.

A Romanian man who according to court documents conspired with others to install card-skimming devices on ATMs in multiple states has been sentenced to one year in prison and is expected to be deported after his release.

Danut Urseiu, 32, pleaded guilty in May in federal court in Cincinnati to a bank fraud conspiracy charge. The sentence was handed down Nov. 18.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Cincinnati-area charges against Danut Urseiu relate to a two-week spree in early 2023, when card-reading devices were installed on nine ATMs in Cincinnati, Green Township and Liberty Township.

But federal prosecutors in Michigan say Urseiu and his foreign national co-conspirators stole information from thousands of people in multiple states.

The crime spree resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses.

According to court documents, a card-skimmer at an ATM can collect account numbers and personal identification numbers when a person uses their card. A concealed camera above the keypad captures the PIN, to correlate the card data with the PIN.

The information is then re-encoded on the magnetic strip of other cards, including gift cards, the documents say. Those fraudulent cards can be used to withdraw cash at ATMs or make purchases.

When Urseiu was arrested in Royal Oak, Michigan last year, police found 62 gift cards in his pockets and another 192 gift cards in the vehicle he was driving, documents say.

Man in U.S. illegally

Urseiu entered the U.S. illegally in January 2023, according to court documents. In February 2023, he was seen on surveillance video in Liberty Township installing card-skimming and video devices on at least one ATM.

In total, an unnamed financial institution reported more than 3,900 compromised credit card or debit card numbers at 23 ATMs, according to court documents.

In March of 2023, Urseiu and several co-conspirators were arrested in Monroe County, New York for allegedly installing skimmers on ATMs in that area.

Urseiu was then arrested by immigration authorities, and an immigration judge ordered him deported to Romania, court documents say. He was deported in May 2023, but approximately three months later returned to the U.S. illegally.

His conviction in the Cincinnati-area case is his third since 2024. According to court documents, Urseiu was convicted in Michigan of identity theft and related state charges in May 2024. He was sentenced to 122 days. After being released, he was charged in federal court in Detroit with unlawfully re-entering the U.S. He pleaded guilty to that charge and was sentenced to 10 months in prison.

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