1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

I’m writing not just as a concerned Ohioan—but as a lifelong Cleveland Browns fan—to express my strong opposition to the $600 million public bond package intended to finance a new stadium for the team. This is an unacceptable use of taxpayer dollars. Being a Browns fan means I've stuck with this team through every high and low. I love the Browns—but I don’t love the idea of funneling hundreds of millions in public funds into a privately owned business. If the Haslam family wants a new stadium, they can afford to pay for it. Why should taxpayers—many of whom will never attend a game—be forced to subsidize a billionaire’s personal investment? And let’s be honest: once this happens, how long before the Bengals, Reds, Guardians, Cavaliers, Crew, and Blue Jackets line up for their own taxpayer-backed deals? This isn’t about football or civic pride—it’s about another handout to the wealthy, disguised as “economic development.” If the public doesn’t get equity, profit-sharing, or real ownership in the business, this is just more socialism for the rich and rugged capitalism for the rest of us. We keep hearing about personal responsibility and the free market—why don’t those rules apply to billionaires? Ohioans need investment in schools, roads, healthcare, and housing—not luxury stadiums. Please remove this stadium funding from the budget and take a stand for fiscal responsibility and fairness.