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Desperate state leaders flirt with the illusion of easy money
Published on Sunday, Jan 11, 2009
Where the next pitch will come from is not clear. The state's horse tracks are slipping. They could try (again) to open the door to slot-machine parlors. Or, as with the last amendment to go down in flames, an out-of-state operator with deep pockets could try to fool desperate Ohio voters into ignoring the social costs and seeing gambling (which concentrates wealth in the hands of a few) as an economic development strategy for all.
Sad to say, Ohio's top political leaders are softening. Facing a $7 billion deficit in the next two-year budget, Ohio's new House speaker, Armond Budish, a Beachwood Democrat, said he would consider expanded gambling if done ''in an intelligent and fair fashion across the state.''
Ted Strickland and Bill Harris were more cautious. The Democratic governor noted his opposition to gambling, but said current budget problems now force him to ''hear all arguments.'' Harris, the Republican Senate president, said he was more opposed to raising taxes than expanding gambling. He said the Senate would take a look at a gambling proposal if one surfaced.
The point is, the state's take from casino gambling would be a tax, and, like the state's lottery and keno games, a regressive one, hurting low-income residents the most. There are better alternatives, among them rolling back the income-tax cuts approved in 2005. Gambling also destroys families, increasing the demand on agencies that need state support. In that way, casinos would leave Ohio poorer as a whole.
Get the full article here.
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Posted 03:39 AM, 01/11/2009
We (a group of four people) have given up on Ohio ever having gambling. We have been leaving the state once or twice a month to neighboring states since 1984. We would rather spend our surplus (entertainment) money in the state of Ohio but Ohio does'ent want it. Nothing will stop us from going and we have lived with it. We are currently enjoying great comps and the friendly casino in Washington, Pa. where the proceeds go to property tax relief for all of Pa. After out first trip there, using a player card we have received many promotions including a minimun of $50.00 a month in free play, a break on our lunch meal and a free breakfast. On Jan 27th and 28th everyone will get an additional $5.00 per can of food (up to 5= $25.00) to feed the poor. Check it out here www.meadowsgaming.com. Its a two hour drive from Akron.
akron, oh
Posted 06:24 AM, 01/11/2009
The Beacon is such a bleeding heart libeeral rag. Of course, they have to be against gambling because it is a 'regressive tax.' Of course, no where do they talk of the millions of people that gamble responsibly and for entertainment. Of course, no where do they mention that people have to make responsible decisions for themselves and live within their means.
Of course, the Beacon will go the way of the land line phone within a few years.
