By STEPHEN MAJORS
Associated Press Writer
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- After years of opposition to the expansion of gambling, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland has announced that he will accept a slot machine proposal as a way to help balance the budget.
Strickland, a Democrat, proposed Friday to allow slots at seven racetracks, a move that he says would provide $765 million for the two-year budget that starts July 1.
Lawmakers have struggled to fill a gap of roughly $3.2 billion in the two-year spending plan that starts July 1.
State voters would not have to approve the cuts.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
