The State of Ohio is a weekly news program spotlighting the latest happenings at the Statehouse, in the Governor’s office, at the Ohio Supreme Court and throughout the Buckeye State. Award-winning host Karen Kasler presents viewers with unique analysis and thoughtful perspective on important issues of statewide interest through interviews with political leaders, newsmakers, experts and Ohio citizens. The State of Ohio is the only TV show to bring to Ohioans the latest news about taxes, voting, education and other critical matters from where it all happens -- Capitol Square.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Topics: Politics
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Gov. Ted Strickland is now looking for someone to head the Ohio Lottery Commission, just as the agency is about to roll out its largest ever expansion – the controversial slot machines-to-racetracks plan. Lottery director Michael Dolan resigned this week, getting praise from the governor after being blasted by critics for sending a trooper some instant lottery tickets after a traffic stop. There are now several high profile openings with the Strickland administration, just months before he is likely to begin his campaign for re-election.

A political committee has formed to wage a campaign against a ballot issue that seeks to allow casinos in Ohio's major cities, but casino backers aren’t pleased about TruthPAC. Ohio lawmakers are offering proposals to make the state one of a growing number that ban text messaging while driving. Another Democrat has entered the 2010 race for the job of Ohio's elections chief - Rep. Jennifer Garrison (D-Marietta) joins Franklin County Commissioner Marilyn Brown in the race. The Ohio State Fair closes this weekend – but not without the annual overnight visit from the Governor. The polls were open around Ohio this week for about two dozen special elections, with 39% of 18 school issues getting voter okays. And once again, a bill to reform election laws in Ohio has been introduced at the Statehouse.

This week marked the deadline for a constitutional amendment to make the fall ballot, and there is one that seems on its face like a slam-dunk – a constitutional amendment to create the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board. But the issue is also a pre-emptive strike against the Humane Society of the United States, which had been considering putting an issue on next year’s ballot. Keith Stimpert from the Ohio Farm Bureau and Bill Long with the Humane Society of the United States discuss the proposed constitutional amendment.

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