Politicians, Voters Supporting Gambling Legalization in Ohio

A rally at Cleveland City Hall yesterday demonstrated the support that voters, and local politicians, have for "Issue 3," the state constitutional amendment that legalizes gambling in Ohio. The measure is expected to be passed by voters at the Nov. 7 election.
Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson made opening remarks, and more than a dozen politicians at City Hall attended the event, as the discussion centered on jobs, education and economic development, with the revenues of gambling being the funding mechanism for these goals.

What's more, the law allows voters in Cuyahoga County eventually to vote on whether to allow "full casino gambling."

State, Local Split

Experts said that state and local governments would split the gambling revenues, and most of the funds shall be used for college scholarships for state residents.
Outside experts indicate that as much as $850 million a year may be raised for education, while the more conservative state office of budget and management has estimated only $324 million will be drawn from gambling.
Another part of the funding will be divided amongst cities and counties for economic development.

Full Weight

County Commissioner Jimmy Dimora, said that he was “putting my full weight behind this issue” and called the Learn & Earn ballot issue as “our only hope for economic development" in Ohio.

Another County commissioner Peter Lawson Jones, said that the legalizing gambing was a moral cause and would help the poor. “The real immorality is college students who mortgage their futures or can’t afford college. We would be immoral if we didn’t support Issue 3," said Jones.


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