Wednesday, July 19, 2006

As reported by the Chronicle: "U.S. Sen. George Voinovich said Monday he's
ready to battle again with gambling proponents who want to expand legalized
gambling in the state but warned that this time the foe is much stronger.
"Voinovich, who opposes putting any proposal for slot machines in Ohio on
the Nov. 7 ballot, told reporters and editors at The Chronicle-Telegram the
costs of gambling far outweigh any benefit. ".Horse racetrack owners and
others are pushing the proposed Learn and Earn amendment to Ohio's
constitution, which would allow slot machines at each of Cleveland's seven
race tracks, the Nautica Entertainment Complex and Tower City. If approved,
the machines will generate an estimated $2.3 billion annually with $700
million of that earmarked for college scholarship programs. "But Voinovich
cautioned voters that only people running the slot machines will benefit in
the long run because of the money those billions of dollars that will be
lost in state revenue, and therefore programs."