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Friday, June 19, 2009
Slots’ proposal doesn’t stop plan for casinos
Backers of a ballot issue to put casinos in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo and Columbus aren’t deterred by Gov. Ted Strickland’s recommendation that the legislature OK video slot machines for Ohio racetracks.
Bob Tenenbaum, spokesman for the casino backers, said so Friday, June 19 in an e-mail, just hours after Strickland’s press conference.
” We are in the final stages of gathering petition signatures and will be filing our petitions prior to the July 1 deadline,” Tenenbaum said. They must file petitions with signatures from 402,275 registered voters by the deadline to qualify for the November ballot.
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Harris dubious about slots at tracks
While House Speaker Armond Budish, D-Beachwood, gave Gov. Ted Strickland’s plans for video slots at Ohio racetracks a warm reception, Senate President Bill Harris, R-Ashland, isn’t convinced it’s a good idea.
Here’s a prepared statement from Harris released after Strickland’s press conference on Friday, June 19:
“I have been very open in my skepticism of using gambling to solve our state’s revenue problems.
“While I understand why this option was the most attractive to the Governor, until today, he himself had made convincing arguments as to why expanded gambling was a bad idea for Ohio.
“In the short time I have had to look at his new proposal - I have yet to be convinced otherwise.
“To serve the best interests of the people of Ohio, I have always approached my job as President of the Senate with an open mind and a willingness to listen. In the days ahead, I will continue to review the details of the Governor’s proposal. Today, I have serious concerns.”
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Strickland to balance budget with $2.43 billion in cuts, slot machines
Gov. Ted Strickland on Friday, June 19, announced $2.43 billion in “painful” budget cuts that will significantly resize state government and he is proposing putting video slot machines at Ohio’s racetracks, which along with other changes will bring in $765million.
Overall, Ohio has to plug a $3.2 billion hole in the proposed budget.
Strickland said the budget will be balanced without increasing taxes or arresting tax rollbacks that are underway.
The Ohio State Racing Commission has developed a plan for putting 14,000 video slot machines at Ohio’s seven racetracks. The slot machines can be added through legislative action and using the Ohio Lottery Commission, Strickland said.
Ohio votes have rejected gambling proposals four times since 1990 and any plan to put slots at tracks without a vote of the people would be expected to spark a backlash.
“The cuts outlined today are indeed painful, but I am pleased with Gov. Strickland’s willingness to consider offsetting some of this pain through an additional, non-tax revenue source,” House Speaker Armond Budish, D-Beachwood, said in a written statement. “While I look forward to reviewing the details of this proposal, I do believe that allowing video lottery terminals at Ohio’s seven racetracks will help save Ohio jobs and avoid detrimental tax increases on Ohio families.”
The budget cuts are expected to bring lay offs for state workers, who have already accepted a two-year pay freeze and 20 unpaid furlough days over two years. The number of workers likely to lose their jobs was not disclosed.
Separately, gambling proponents are gathering petition signatures to put yet another casino proposal before Ohio voters. The four-casino plan is being pitched by Penn National Gaming, Inc of Wyomissing, Pa., which operates the Argosy in Lawrenceburg, Ind., and Dan Gilbert, majority owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers and founder of Quicken Loans. This deal would help generate $600 million a year for counties, cities and school districts.
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Sources: Strickland to announce support for slots
By Laura Bischoff
Gov. Ted Strickland on Friday, June 19, announced $2.43 billion in “painful” budget cuts that will significantly resize state government and he is proposing putting video slot machines at Ohio’s racetracks to help generate $933 million over the two-year state budget.
Overall, Ohio has to plug a $3.2 billion hole in the proposed budget.
Strickland said the budget will be balanced without increasing taxes or arresting tax rollbacks that are underway.
The Ohio State Racing Commission has developed a plan for putting 14,000 video slot machines at Ohio’s seven racetracks. The slot machines can be added through legislative action and using the Ohio Lottery Commission, Strickland said.
Ohio votes have rejected gambling proposals four times since 1990 and any plan to put slots at tracks without a vote of the people would be expected to spark a backlash.
Separately, gambling proponents are gathering petition signatures to put yet another casino proposal before Ohio voters. The four-casino plan is being pitched by Penn National Gaming, Inc of Wyomissing, Pa., which operates the Argosy in Lawrenceburg, Ind., and Dan Gilbert, majority owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers and founder of Quicken Loans. This deal would help generate $600 million a year for counties, cities and school districts.
