Gov. Strickland hopes gambling is off table

By Marc Kovac

The state faces a $7 billion hole in its 2010-11 budget.

COLUMBUS — Gov. Ted Strickland told reporters he hopes the coming two-year operating budget can be developed without turning to expanded taxes or gambling as means of generating additional revenue.

Asked whether his biennial budget, to be presented to lawmakers in coming weeks, will include funds from expanded casino gaming or lottery proceeds, the governor replied, “I anticipate that there will not be provisions of that nature.”

He added, “I am working as best I can, and it’s not a complete document yet, but I am working as best I can to craft a budget that will not have expanded gambling as a part of it.”

Strickland answered Statehouse reporters’ questions Thursday about a perceived softening in his stance on expanded gambling. In recent weeks, the governor has said he is considering all options to deal with an estimated $7 billion hole in the 2010-11 budget, including listening to ideas by gambling proponents.

But Strickland said he believes his stance on the issue has remained consistent.

“My position has been described as softening or changing or whatever,” he said. “What I’m just trying to do is tell you what I’m thinking. And that is, in my judgment, if we can proceed into the future without expanded gambling being a part of that economic picture that is Ohio, that would certainly be my preference.

“I do not believe that we, at this point, have a full understanding of what is likely to happen with this economy. And so, consequently, I am unwilling to take a position that would indicate a refusal or a failure to listen to ideas that may be brought to me, and gambling will be brought to me, I feel fairly certain, as one piece of a possible solution to Ohio’s economic difficulties.”

The governor said he expected fee hikes as part of the new budget but remained hopeful that a tax increase could be avoided.

“I am hopeful that I can avoid both a tax increase and expanded gambling,” the governor added.

mkovac@dixcom.com