Ohio Senate Rejects Casino Plan

Gov. Ted Strickland said Saturday the Republican-controlled Senate rejected his proposal to erase Ohio's $3.2 billion budget deficit, dealing a strong blow to the already diminishing chances the spending plan would be finished on time.

The most crucial component of the Democratic governor's plan would put slot machines at Ohio's seven horse racing tracks to raise an estimated $933 million over the next two years. Strickland said the onus was now on the Senate to suggest how to deal with the nearly $1 billion hole.

"I believe that he (Senate President Bill Harris) and the Senate majority have an obligation to say what taxes they would increase or what services they would further reduce in order to balance the budget," Strickland said in a statement.

A message seeking comment was left with Harris spokeswoman Maggie Ostrowski Saturday.

The impasse jeopardized a meeting of negotiators scheduled for Sunday, and further reduced the possibility that the state budget would be passed in time for the next fiscal year to begin July 1.

If lawmakers can't reach a deal, they will have to pass a temporary budget - likely at significantly reduced funding levels - to give themselves more time to negotiate the rest of the two-year plan.

For the complete story, please see Ohio Senate rejects Strickland gambling plan, The Associated Press via MansfieldNewsjournal.com, June 27, 2009.