Five things to know for Thursday, Dec. 11

Ohio reports good news on its revenues

November’s General Revenue Funds tax revenue exceeded the estimate by 2.1% or $54.1 million. According to state officials, personal income tax contributed $45.2 million to the positive variance.

Tax revenue in November increased by 3% or $77.2 million compared to the previous year. For the year-to-date, total tax revenue exceeds the estimate by 3.8% or $456.6 million, and personal income tax accounts for 48% of that variance.

Browns win — in court. A judge has ruled that Ohio can use unclaimed funds to partially fund a new Cleveland Browns stadium, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Lawmakers included the controversial plan to fork over $600 million in unclaimed funds as part of the biennial budget, prompting a legal challenge; the funds start transferring on Jan. 1.

Buckeye Institute takes Licking County case to the Appeals Court. The Buckeye Institute delivered its oral argument before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in a case involving Trek Brewing Company in Newark. The Columbus-based think tank wants the court to overturn what it says is the federal government’s unconstitutional ban on home distilling, arguing that the statute violates the Tenth Amendment and exceeds Congress’s authority under the U.S. Constitution.

DeWine directs TANF funding to agencies. Republican Gov. Mike DeWine signed an executive order, directing $13.4 million in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program funding to 44 programs across the Buckeye State to help struggling families, support children, and encourage workforce development.

House passes measure to expand fentanyl penalties. The Ohio House has passed House Bill 88, which expands penalties for drug trafficking of fentanyl-related compounds, boosts penalties for repeat drug traffickers, and sets a five-year mandatory minimum prison sentence for anyone convicted of or pleads guilty to a fentanyl-related death. The measure heads to the Senate for consideration.