Lawmakers: Ohio Casino Funds May Not Go To Locals

COLUMBUS, Ohio—Some lawmakers say ambiguous wording in a proposed constitutional amendment to allow casinos in Ohio could mean the vast majority of tax revenue doesn’t flow to local governments as promised.
   
Casino backers say it’s clear that 90 percent of the estimated $650 million in tax revenue from the casinos would go to counties, cities and school districts. The amendment says revenues are “intended” to supplement, not replace, the state’s funding obligations.
   
State Sen. Bill Seitz says the use of “intended” weakens the attempt to make sure the money is supplemental. He says the state has no constitutional obligation to fund local government. Some lawmakers say the language could enable the state to fill its own budget gap by removing money from local government funds once casino revenue begins flowing.

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