Friday, September 22, 2006

Ohio Governor Bob Taft and US Senator George Voinovich have talked with
state higher education officials about a plan to pay for college
scholarships with slot machines. The two politicians have been outspoken
opponents of casino gambling. Taft has asked the Ohio Board of Regents to
study the proposal, which will go before voters November Seventh. Slots
would be allowed at racetracks, and scholarships would get 30 percent of the
proceeds. The regents oversee state spending on colleges and would be in
charge of distributing the scholarship money. Voinovich helped lead
successful campaigns to keep casinos out of Ohio. His spokesman says
Voinovich has no comment on his discussions with the regents.