The November 2006 Ballot Issue 3 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would authorize slot machines at 7 existing race tracks and 2 new casinos in downtown Cleveland. Profits from the slot machines will go to the facility operators (55%) and the Ohio Board of Regents to fund a college scholarship program (30%).

The conference Board of Trustees adopted a resolution opposing Issue 3 at its meeting on
September 30, 2006 because of two principal concerns:

• The ethical and social problems associated with state-authorized slot machine gambling outweigh the benefits.



• The Regents scholarship program will not solve the inadequacy of state funding for Ohio’s public colleges and universities.

Issue 1: Jobs for Ohio - Placed on the ballot by the General Assembly, this proposal would authorize the state to issue general obligation bonds of up to $1.35 billion for local government capital improvements to infrastructure; $500 million to provide financial assistance through state and local government and state-supported and state-assisted institutions of higher education for research and development; and $150 million for state use to develop job-ready sites and facilities in Ohio.
Endorsement Rationale - This issue continues the state government’s commitment to the state’s infrastructure and also includes support for university-based research.

Issue 2: Early Voting - This proposal would provide for early voting, without stating a reason, by mail or in person during the 35 days prior to an election.
Endorsement Rationale - Reforms that make it easier for people to vote improve our political system.

Issue 3: Campaign Finance - The key provisions of this proposal include: reducing the amount an individual can contribute to a candidate or political committee from $10,000 to $2,000; reinstating the prohibition on political contributions from corporations; and requiring public disclosure of campaign contributions and expenditures.
Endorsement Rationale - These reforms have the potential of reducing the influence of major campaign contributors on state policy.

Issue 4: Legislative Redistricting - This proposal would replace the current Apportionment Board made up of elected officials with an independent redistricting commission. Any person or organization would be permitted to submit a proposed map. The commission would be required to adopt the map that creates the most competitive districts (between the two major political parties).
Endorsement Rationale – The current redistricting process provides a large partisan advantage to the party that controls the Apportionment Board. Future redistricting by the independent commission will produce more competitive districts which should lead to greater voter turnout and a reduction in the current polarization of the legislature.

Issue 5: Election Administration - This proposal would establish a bipartisan state board of elections supervisors (similar to the existing county boards of elections) to administer elections in Ohio, replacing the Secretary of State in this role.
Endorsement Rationale - This proposal will eliminate the possibility that the Secretary of State will administer elections in a way that benefits his/her political party.