Ohio Governor Changes Course on Gambling
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Updated: 5:03 PM Jun 19, 2009
Ohio Governor Changes Course on Gambling
After years of opposition to the expansion of gambling, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland has announced a plan for slots machines at seven horse racing tracks as a way to help balance the budget.
Posted: 4:02 PM Jun 19, 2009
Reporter: Associated Press
Email Address: news@wsaz.com
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - After years of opposition to the expansion of gambling, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland has announced a plan for slots machines at seven horse racing tracks as a way to help balance the budget.

Strickland, a Democrat, said Friday that the move would provide $765 million for the two-year budget that starts July 1.

Lawmakers have struggled to fill a gap of roughly $3.2 billion in the spending plan.

The slots proposal would not go before state voters, who have rejected gambling proposals four times in the past 20 years.

The governor also suggests cuts of $2.43 billion, sparing a plan to continue tuition freezes at state colleges and universities as well as investments in education.

An Ohio Poll conducted in April found that six in 10 Ohio voters favor casino-style gambling.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Latest Comments

Posted by: Misty Rider on Jul 15, 2009 at 09:32 AM

Go figure. Ohioans don't get much say anyway. If it will help, then pass the bill. So sad though we've resorted to this. Just make sure the money goes to our budget and not your pockets. Ha, ha. Can't trust our leaders anymore. Can we? And start looking at foolish spendings in prison. Cut the officers down to working one pod and stop making prisons such a comfort for CONVICTS so they don't want to go back. Cut their money earned too. They don't deserve to be paid in prison.
Posted by: maw on Jun 23, 2009 at 03:12 PM

If you go to the Tri-State Greyhound Park & Casino a large majority of the cars are from Ohio - same down at Lawrenceburg, IN at the Argosy. Ohio casinos would keep Ohio $$$ in Ohio.....but regardless of this particular issue - I think we need to get rid of Strickland before he ruins Ohio beyond recognition, repair, or reclamation.
Posted by: Jessica on Jun 23, 2009 at 08:16 AM

He's also proposing to cut library funding by 200 million. If he does, the Portsmouth Public Library will be forced to close ALL branch locations, the bookmobile will be off the road, and the Main Library will only be open a few hours a week! Ohioans: Contact Governor Strickland and others today and let him know you won't stand for this! Governor Ted Strickland 614-466-3555 contact online Post a message on Governor Strickland's Facebook page. Senator Bill Harris, President of the Senate 614-466-8086 SD19@senate.state.oh.us Senator John Carey, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee 614-466-8156 SD17@senate.state.oh.us Representative Armond Budish, Speaker of the House 614-466-5441 District08@ohr.state.oh.us Representative Vernon Sykes, Chairman of the House Finance Committee 614-466-3100 Please help us spread the word!
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