Public Policy Advocates

House Majority Whip on the Ohio Budget Process

We recently sat down with House Majority Whip Jay Goyal (D-Mansfield) to discuss the Ohio Budget Process.  The video can be found here.

Strickland Administration Announces Rules Governing Slot Machines

The Strickland Administration released Administrative Rules for the implementation and use of Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) at Ohio’s racetracks.  Under the rules, each of Ohio’s seven racetracks would be allowed to purchase and install as many as 2,500 VLTs.  However, in order to obtain a license for the VLTs, racetracks would have to pay $65 million, payable in five installments of $13 million with the first due September 15.  License holders would also be required to make $20 million worth of capital improvements for VLT operations within the first year of operation, and at least $80 million over five years.  In addition to these rules, the Administration also proposed to allow anyone 18 and over to play VLTs, and to allow 24-hour operation.  The Ohio Lottery Commission has scheduled a public hearing on these rules for September 18th, before the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review will consider them on October 5th.

Ballot Board Approves Language for Two Statewide Issues

The Ohio Ballot Board unanimously approved the language that voters will see in November when deciding whether to pass Issue 3 to authorize the construction of casinos in Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo and Cincinnati, and Issue 2, regarding livestock.  Opponents of the gambling initiative said the ballot language should focus on the fact that casino operators would retain 67% of the revenue, rather than pay a 33% tax.  Proponents argued that using the 67% figure would not be fair, because on top of the 33% casino tax, the casinos would also be responsible for sales tax and other fees and taxes.  Ballot Board members settled on language saying the amendment would, “levy a fixed tax of 33% of gross casino revenue received by each casino operator of the four casino facilities.”  The Board also approved the argument in favor of Issue 2, drafted by proponents Ohioans for Livestock Care. 

Strickland Administration Announces $800 Million in Medicaid Savings

Despite an increasing number of Ohioans signing up for Medicaid, the state announced savings of nearly $800 million on the health care program.  Medicaid director John Corlett, scheduled to step down from his post next month, announced the savings in a letter to the General Assembly.  His letter claimed that, due to recently implemented cost containment strategies, the state was able to drastically reduce its Medicaid spending.  However, State Auditor Mary Taylor issued a statement claiming that the Administration has not done nearly enough to reign in state spending on health care.