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Cleveland Business Group Supports Gaming Amendment

The Constitutional amendment, known as Learn and Earn, would create Learn and Earn scholarships and tuition grants. It would also add economic development funds for projects throughout the state, paid for by tax revenue on restricted, regulated gaming.

Upon reviewing the results of a study commissioned by GCP, members of the GCP Board of Directors last fall voted to approve a two-phased plan for advancing casino gaming in Ohio. Today, after considering the gaming ballot language approved by the attorney general, the GCP Board of Directors strongly endorsed the amendment.

"A college education is the single greatest predictor of economic success, and passage of this amendment will significantly increase the number of Ohioans who receive a higher education," said Frederick Nance, Chairman of the GCP Board of Directors. "This program is designed to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in our state annually for higher education. GCP played a significant role in crafting the proposed Constitutional amendment, specifically on economic development goals, specific constitutional language, local consensus with city and county officials, and the imposition of licensing fees. The proposed amendment meets GCP principles and represents a tremendous economic opportunity for Ohio, Cleveland, and Cuyahoga County, where we are projecting to receive more than $60 million for economic development purposes annually."

By endorsing the amendment, GCP will assist the campaign in a variety of ways, including coalition building and participating in discussions to maximize the impact of the economic development opportunities.

"We look forward to seeing Ohio reclaim some of the gaming revenue that is lost to our neighboring states," said Joe Roman, President and CEO of GCP. "In crafting the language, we were adamant that revenues should not be used to replace or reduce current state funding provided to local governments. The language in the Constitutional amendment is very clear. Gaming revenues must be invested in job creation and economic development strategies developed by local public and civic leadership. The secure scholarship funds increase the number of Ohioans with a college education by helping Ohio's high school students attend one of Ohio's colleges and universities. And Ohio will lead the nation in the amount of funds it commits to treating existing problem gamblers and preventing new problem gambling habits."

The studies used by the GCP Board of Directors represent the most comprehensive analysis of the gaming issue undertaken in Ohio in more than a decade. They were conducted by researchers at Strategic Partner Management Consulting and the Maxine Levin Goodman College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University and are available at OhioGamingInfo.org.

The Greater Cleveland Partnership, the primary voice for businesses in Greater Cleveland, seeks to create jobs and wealth, and improve the economic vitality of the region. Its priorities include technology, innovation and high-growth businesses; connected physical development; education and workforce development; and business attraction, retention and expansion. The GCP emphasizes service to its more than 16,400 members; advocacy on behalf of members and the region; diversity and inclusion; and internationalization of the region and its businesses. GCPartnership.com

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