Ohio Legislature Divided Over Governor Ted Stricklands Slots Proposal

The members of the Mahoning Valley's delegation to the Ohio Legislature stated on July 2nd, 2009 that they are not happy about Governor Ted Strickland's recommendation to slash spending by $2.3 billion dollars, but see no other vial options to the problem.

The Valley Democrats also criticized the Republican majority in the Ohio Senate for dismissing Governor Ted Strickland's plans to install slot machines at Ohio's seven racing tracks without making their own plan to improve state revenue. Governor Strickland said that the slot machine proposal would raise $933 million dollars during its first two years of operation for the Ohio's budget.

Senate Minority Leader Capri Cafaro of Liberty, D-32nd said that they are currently in a sticky situation. Ohio is facing a budget deficit of $3.2 billion dollars. Instead of studying th gaming proposal, the state Senate passed an interim budget until July 7th, 2009 with the Democratic-dominated House expected to give its approval.

Thursday, 23 July 2009
Kori Woffendin