House passes bill on racino payments; Penn National weighing options
AUSTINTOWN
The Ohio House on Wednesday concurred 79-4 on House Bill 494, which included an amendment specifying $500,000 payments to local governments for the racinos in Austintown and Dayton.
The bill now needs only the signature of Republican Gov. John Kasich to be approved.
“We are deeply disappointed that the General Assembly chose to levy what amounts to a new state tax that applies only to our company in its efforts to get additional funds to Austintown Township,” said Bob Tenenbaum, spokesman for Penn National Gaming Inc.
A spokesman for Kasich did not comment Wednesday night, but said the governor’s office would comment once the bill is in front of him.
Tenenbaum went on to point out the company will pay $150 million in relocation fees over 10 years for moving tracks to Austintown and Dayton from Grove City, Ohio, and Toledo, respectively.
“Levying this new tax on us is, in our view, unfair and totally inappropriate. We are continuing to review our legal options should the governor sign the bill into law.”
Read more about the dispute in Thursday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.