COLUMBUS, Ohio -- After years of opposition to the expansion of gambling, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland has announced a plan for slots machines at seven horse racing tracks as a way to help balance the budget.
Strickland, a Democrat, said Friday that the move would provide $933 million for the two-year budget that starts July 1.
RELATED: Budget Framework (pdf)
Lawmakers have struggled to fill a gap of roughly $3.2 billion in the spending plan.
The slots proposal would not go before state voters, who have rejected gambling proposals four times in the past 20 years.
The governor also suggests cuts of $2.43 billion, sparing a plan to continue tuition freezes at state colleges and universities as well as investments in education.
An Ohio Poll conducted in April found that six in 10 Ohio voters favor casino-style gambling.
For additional information, stay with nbc4i.com and NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com -- Where Accuracy Matters.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail us at stories@nbc4i.com.
NBC 4 POLITICS: Headlines, Interactives & Video
MORE: NBC 4 Local News | Local Crime News
NBC 4 SPORTS: Sports News, Video
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement