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Home > Blogs > Ohio politics > Archives > 2009 > June > 19 > Entry
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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By AskBud
June 23, 2009 6:16 PM | Link to this
Gov. Strickland wants to cut money to Librarys, which means no Summer access for our kids. I guess he wants them to use the Track “Slots” instead. instead. AskBudBy Disappointed Voter
June 22, 2009 4:44 PM | Link to this
Whatever happened to Strickland’s campaign promise to fix school funding. I haven’t seen the legislation to cap what homeowners have to pay, like they are doing in Indiana. Where is the leadership?By Norma Knowlton
June 22, 2009 7:54 AM | Link to this
Gov.attacks most vulnerable with his cuts. He should consider a reasonable tax proposal to spread the burden. Slots won’t do it.