Rep. Brewer Slams Ohio Budget for Prioritizing Billionaires Over Ohio's Children, Families 

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Darnell T. Brewer (D-Cleveland) today issued a strong rebuke of the newly passed Ohio state operating budget, which diverts $1.7B from the state’s $4.8B unclaimed property fund—money that belongs to everyday Ohioans—to subsidize stadium construction for the ultra-wealthy.

“This is not a budget for working families, it’s a billionaire’s playground paid for by the people of Ohio,” said Rep. Brewer. “We’re talking about unclaimed savings accounts, uncashed checks, and dormant insurance policies—funds that belong to regular people—and instead of returning that money or using it to benefit communities, the GOP majority is handing it over to billionaires like the Haslams.” 

Rep. Brewer called out the hypocrisy in the decision and demanded that the same urgency and enthusiasm be shown for public investments that benefit children, families, and local communities—not just sports team owners.

“If the Republicans can spend $600M of unclaimed money to build a stadium for billionaires, then surely we can invest in safe, modern, and ADA-compliant playgrounds and recreation centers in neighborhoods across Ohio,” said Rep. Brewer.

In response, Rep. Brewer announced that he will soon introduce an amendment to his bipartisan House Bill (HB) 328, a.k.a. the SAFE PLAY Act, that redirects a portion of the unclaimed property fund toward renovating and building public playgrounds and recreation facilities throughout Ohio, particularly in underserved and aging communities.

“If playgrounds are good enough for billionaires, they ought to be good enough for our kids too. I challenge my colleagues in the Legislature to support the SAFE PLAY Act with the same energy they gave to the Browns stadium deal,” said Rep. Brewer. 

The amendment will complement HB 328, the SAFE PLAY Act (Supporting Accessible, Fun, and Equitable Playgrounds for Local Areas and Youth), which would provide up to 75% reimbursement to local governments for the acquisition, development, and rehabilitation of recreational spaces. 

HB 328 has been assigned to the House Finance Committee and awaits sponsor testimony.