Ohio AFL-CIO backs casino plan
June 11, 2009
COLUMBUS, Ohio - The chairman of the Ohio Jobs & Growth Committee announced Wednesday that the Ohio AFL-CIO is endorsing its plan to develop four casinos in the state. The chairman, Charlie Luken, described the union backing as "strong confirmation of our belief that this proposed constitutional amendment can help Ohio's working men and women navigate these treacherous economic times."
The Ohio AFL-CIO represents 700,000 workers in 40 national unions. Its president, Joe Rugola, said "The time is right for Ohioans to embrace a responsible gaming proposal. This initiative will keep our gaming dollars in-state, create thousands of good jobs and generate billions in tax revenues."
The plan is a proposed constitutional amendment for the November ballot that will license 4 casinos, one each in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo.
What the heck does that mean? "can help Ohio's working men and women navigate these treacherous times." THEY are the ones who will be losing their money in the casinos. Their people are working, making money, being taken care of by the union. They will be the biggest losers.
"Responsible" and "gaming" should never be used in the same sentence, they just don't go together. If a person is "responsible" they will not throw their money away on gambling.
Honestly, I don't care if casinos come to Ohio or not. I probably will never visit one. I have spent enough time, and money, in casinos to last me. I just wish they would be honest about, and not feed us all these "lines." I have a hunch that if the amount of money that has been paid out to individuals, groups, organizations to get them to support this "initiative," that our budget crunch would be over
The two main backers know what is at stake in Ohio, they know the potential. Otherwise, why invest BILLIONS? The money comes in so fast they can operate legitimately.
I bumped in to a frequent casino visitor the other day, she told me, "It is getting harder and harder to win money anymore. seems like the machines have gotten "tighter" and I win less, or nothing at the tables. The economy gets tight, the casinos get tight."
Gosh, don't you just wonder WHY?
