(The Center Square) – As the debate continues to use $600 million in taxpayer funds to help the Cleveland Browns build a new stadium outside of the city of Cleveland, a new statewide sports commission is on the table.
The proposed Ohio Sports Commission would, among other things, develop policy recommendations to support sports-related infrastructure, funding and development.
The bipartisan-proposed commission would consist of 17 members. Other details have not been released, and the bill has not yet received a number.
The idea for the commission comes after Republicans in the House passed a budget that includes public money for the Browns, and the GOP-majority Senate debates the funding idea.
Also, Ohio Budget Director Kimberly Murnieks released a memo last week that said the Haslam Sports Group’s proposal for a new $2.4 billion roofed Cleveland Browns stadium in Brook Park was filled with inconsistencies and incorrect information.
Also last week, the independent Ohio Legislative Service Commission released a report that said, “decades of research failed to find significant impacts on employment from the construction of new sports stadiums.”
The service commission’s report cites extensive studies from economists such as Kennesaw State’s J.C. Bradbury that show the lack of positive economic impact from taxpayer money spent on stadiums.
The proposed Ohio Sports Commission would do more than just examine infrastructure. It would also study and develop sports tourism in the state and partner with private and public stakeholders to attract major events, saying those drive economic growth.
“As chairwoman of the House Arts, Athletics & Tourism Committee, I believe the creation of this commission is an important step to amplify Ohio’s sports industry, directly spurring economic growth throughout our communities,” said Rep. Melanie Miller, R-Ashland.
