I-Team: Governor reviewing proposal to use unclaimed funds to help fund Browns dome project

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3 days ago

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CLEVELAND (WJW) — Gov. Mike DeWine's office confirmed to the FOX 8 I-Team that the governor is reviewing a proposal by Senate Republicans to use unclaimed fund money to help the Cleveland Browns pay for a new enclosed stadium project.
Dan Tierney, spokesperson for the governor, also added that he looks 'forward to continuing the budget process with the Ohio General Assembly.'
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DeWine has proposed increasing the tax on the state's sports gaming tax to help fund stadium projects and youth sports programs.
The Browns requested $600 million in bonds from the state. That money would be paid back with profits from the project. The Browns are also contributing $1.2 billion toward the stadium and another $1 billion to the mixed-use development.
State Sen. Jerry Cirino (R-Kirtland) told the I-Team he believes the plan to use unclaimed funds is better for taxpayers.
Cirino said the proposal is to use money from Ohio's $3.7 billion in unclaimed funds.
Cirino added that $1.7 billion of that amount would be used to create a sports and cultural facilities fund. The Browns would be given a $600 million 'performance grant' that would be paid back with profits from the project.
Cirino added the Browns would put $100 million in an escrow account that would be used to pay back the state if the project falls short.
'This is a forward-thinking plan that acknowledges the economic impact professional sports has on our communities,' Cirino said. 'This program protects taxpayers, promotes growth and is positive for the general fund, while putting idle dollars to work that have been sitting in the state treasury, often for decades.'
Some state lawmakers disagree, including state Sens. Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson) and Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood).
'I've already heard from Ohioans I serve about the difficulty they've encountered in accessing their unclaimed funds,' Weinstein said. 'But apparently it's been easy for the Haslams. Taking money owed to Ohioans, while cutting funds for libraries and schools sends the exact wrong message about our priorities.'
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Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne and Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb also are against the proposal. Both Ronayne and Bibb want the Browns to continue playing football games in downtown Cleveland.
'I have been clear from the beginning that if we're talking Browns, we have a doable plan for downtown,' Ronayne said. 'We have a plan that does not rely on the state Senate giving away your funds. Don't pick the pocket of hard-working Ohioans for the single purpose of a stadium in Brook Park.'
Senate officials are expected to vote on their version of the budget bill sometime next week. A final state budget must be approved by the end of this month.
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