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I assume you are talking about the bottom leaves turning brown, not the flower spike. In truth, I don't know for sure what's wrong. It makes sense to focus on the roots/corms as the source of your browning leaves. I wonder if something is chewing on the corms. Moles/voles and that sort. Right now is a difficult time to lift plants to investigate but the decision is yours. Does your soil drain well? I know Ohio for its clay and with all the rain some parts have had, your soil may be too wet and rotting the roots or corms. I'm sorry I don't have definitive information.

Whether to cut the bloom portion of the stem or not is a personal decision. Don't remove the foliage section, however as this is nourishing the plant. One foliage dies back, cut it to the ground.

Loss of bulbs can be due to the bulb quality, disease, pests or environmental.
You can mulch the bulbs in fall to add some winter protection.

Here is a link to refresh you on the care requirements.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/liatris/liatris-blazing-star.htm

An average rate of growth would be 70 to 90 days from planting to flower.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/liatris/liatris-blazing-star.htm

So no blooms this year? Too bad. But I think they will come back next year. There is still plenty of time for leafy growth to strengthen the underground bulb, ensuring the plant's survival.

Blazing star, Liatris species, are relatively free of pests and animal nibbling. Deer will eat them but are not a preferred food. Groundhogs/woodchucks are a greater nemesis. Squirrels and rabbits generally leave them alone. Groundhogs love to burrow and make homes under sheds, decks and porches. If you find large holes - about 9"- you have a woodchuck den. They can be live-trapped and relocated. Otherwise, you're left with caging the plant before flowers open; groundhogs are more likely to eat flower stems than flowers. Regular visits by the family dog will go further than repellents on the market. Planting Liatris among woody herbs like sage, including Russian sage and thyme may also spare your plant. Good luck.