Overview

• The Senate’s budget allocates $600 million from long-unused unclaimed state funds toward the Browns’ proposed $2.4 billion domed stadium in Brook Park.
• Haslam Sports Group must deposit $50 million in escrow upfront and maintain a $50 million backup credit line to protect taxpayers if projected revenues fall short.
• The House had proposed the same funding amount via state-backed bonds, and lawmakers will now negotiate a unified financing approach.
• Governor Mike DeWine has signaled support and faces a June 30 deadline to sign the reconciled budget into law.
• Critics including Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne decry the public outlay as unfair, while supporters highlight potential year-round event and economic benefits.