Ohio Extends JobsOhio Liquor Profits Lease to 2053 Despite Criticism

The 15-year extension secures long-term funding for economic development but raises concerns over transparency and lack of upfront payment.

• The Ohio Controlling Board approved a 15-year extension of JobsOhio's lease on state liquor profits, extending it to 2053.
• JobsOhio, a private nonprofit, uses liquor profits to fund financial incentives for economic development projects across the state.
• Critics, including Attorney General Dave Yost, argue the extension lacks an upfront payment similar to the $1.4 billion JobsOhio paid in 2013 for the original lease.
• Yost and others have raised concerns about transparency and accountability in how JobsOhio allocates funds from liquor profits.
• Supporters of the extension claim it provides long-term stability to attract large-scale investments and hold companies to job creation commitments.

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