Program Directory

 
The State of Ohio - Keno April 4, 2008
 
 
With the state's gloomy economy hanging in the balance, and with the governor and state lawmakers each holding out their own ideas for an economic stimulus package, it was time for a deal. Governor Ted Strickland, House Speaker Jon Husted and Senate President Bill Harris announced the compromise plan that they say will create 57,000 jobs while keeping the state from racking up too much debt.

Gov. Ted Strickland has proposed a variety of ideas to deal with the state's looming budget deficit, including expanding the offerings from the Ohio Lottery by adding Keno. Ohio Lottery Commission director Michael Dolan talks about how the game would raise $73 million dollars a year.

But some legislative leaders don't want to take a chance on Keno. State Sen. Ron Amstutz of Wooster has proposed a bill that he says will take the same kind of tough stand lawmakers assumed when they banned electronic slot-machine type devices last year. But he has opposition from within his own party, in the form of Sen. Bill Seitz of Cincinnati, a Republican who has supported efforts to bring in casinos and slot machines.
April 4, 2008