Public Policy Advocates

The Ohio Senate begins hearings today on the Governor’s video lottery terminals (VLT’s) proposal today. The Governor’s VLT proposal is estimated to raise $933 million in revenues to help fill the current $3.4 billion deficit.  Sen. Mark Wagoner (R-Toledo) will chair the Select Committee on Video Lottery Terminals. The panel also includes Sen. Jon Husted (R-Kettering), Sen. Timothy Grendell (R- Chesterland), Senator Capri Cafaro (D-Hubbard) and Sen. Dale Miller (D-Cleveland).  The hearings are intended to help Senators better understand the specifics of gambling proposal the Governor has proposed. The Lottery Commission Executive Director, Michael Dolan, the Office of Budget and Management Director, Pari Sabety and other interested parties have been invited to testify. The Committee is scheduled to meet at 10:00AM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday if needed.
 
In response to the Senate’s plans, the Ohio House Finance and Appropriations Committee is holding hearings beginning today at 3:00PM to provide interested parties the opportunity to testify on the “impact of potential Senate budget decisions.”  The hearings are also scheduled for Monday at 10:00AM and Tuesday at 2:00PM. The House hopes these hearings will put pressure on the Senate to adopt the Governor’s gaming proposal.