Rep. Teska Votes "No" on State Budget: Commends Pro-Family Policies, Opposes Excessive Spending and Unfair Tax Shift 

COLUMBUS – State Representative Michelle Teska (R- Clearcreek Township) cast a "no" vote today on the state’s passed budget, citing a mix of responsible praise and serious concern over key provisions.

“This was a high gravity decision, and it was not a vote I took lightly,” said Teska. “There are commendable, pro-family policies in this budget that I fully support—programs that reflect values I fight for every day. But I ultimately had to vote in line with what I believe is best for the hardworking families in my district.”

Teska expressed concern over how the budget affects public education in her district. Several school districts in Warren County are receiving substantially less state funding under this bill, putting added pressure on local resources and potentially jeopardizing student support services.

While supportive of several measures aimed at strengthening families and local communities, Teska raised strong objections to the overall 3.9% increase in state spending and what she described as “misplaced priorities.” Among the most controversial items was the inclusion of $600 million in public funding for the Cleveland Browns, a provision that has been met with clear opposition from her constituents.

“In my district, there is no support for spending hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars on a professional sports franchise,” Teska said.

She also criticized the budget’s flattening of the state income tax, which she argues primarily benefits the wealthy. 

“This tax change doesn’t provide real relief to middle- and working-class families—it lowers the tax liability for those at the top, while doing little for everyone else,” she added. “I’m committed to finding common ground and delivering results. But I was elected to represent the people of my district—and today, that meant saying no.”

The budget now heads to the Governor for his consideration.