Ohio’s growing state budget deficit, projected to reach $3 billion by the 2010‑11 legislative session, has resulted in another gambling proposal as a possible solution to bridging the gap. An immediate stop-gap measure is the addition of 14,000 slot machines at the state’s seven racetracks.  The Ohio State Racing Commission endorsed the idea, claiming the action could bring in approximately $625 million a year by 2013 to direct towards public education. Governor Strickland, following his prior stance, remains opposed to this proposal.  Various Ohio senators have expressed concerns as to whether authorization to add the slot machines should occur by legislation or be placed on a statewide ballot for public approval. The Ohio Senate President, Bill Harris, has opposed gambling initiatives in the general state budget, but remains open to the ballot initiative.  Also, another gambling proposal has arisen through proponents of four additional casinos, who are actively collecting signature petitions for ballot access.  If the requisite number of signatures is gathered, this upcoming November will be the third time in the last four years that Ohio voters have been asked to vote on a casino issue.