The GCP supports bi-partisan efforts to consider bringing gaming to Ohio

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Cleveland, Ohio - January 13, 2009 - The Greater Cleveland Partnership has voiced support for bi-partisan efforts by Gov. Ted Strickland, Senate President Bill Harris, and Speaker of the House Armond Budish to consider options that could guide our state toward responsibly establishing casinos in Ohio. In an Op-Ed piece published in the January 11, 2009, issue of The Plain Dealer, GCP Chairman Henry L. Meyer III and GCP President and CEO Joe Roman urge elected officials to take a leadership role to move this issue forward, noting that, in the past," Ohioans have been asked to amend our state constitution based on language crafted by the future owners of the casinos."

The op-ed piece notes that "leadership by the governor, along with his colleagues in the Ohio General Assembly, could paint a very different and more credible scenario for a new ballot issue." It observes that "busloads of Ohioans leave daily for Pennsylvania, Indiana, Michigan and West Virginia, pumping nearly $400 million a year in taxes to help them pay for their schools and create jobs for their residents." Click here to read the full article.

A related Plain Dealer news article comments that Gov. Strickland's position has "given new renewed hopes" to the casino industry that has been shut out of Ohio. It notes that at least two gambling proposals were already in the works when the governor said he would consider bringing casinos to Ohio to help fill an impending $7 billion budget deficit. Click here to read more.

The  Greater Cleveland Partnership , (GCP), the primary voice for businesses in Greater Cleveland, seeks to create jobs and improve the economic vitality of the region. On behalf of its more than 17,000 members, the GCP advocates with one voice; advances small business success; accelerates economic inclusion; builds a high-impact, sustainable economic development system; changes the face of Cleveland; strengthens global connections; and initiates a demand-driven talent system. The GCP is a founder and proud supporter of the  Cleveland Plus  marketing campaign.

Back to News