State Issue 1 was a proposed amendment to the Ohio Constitution that would provide up to $200 million in bonds for bonuses to be given to Ohio men and women who served in the armed forces during the Persian Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan wars. For those serving active duty in the Persian Gulf, Iraq or Afghanistan they would receive $100 per month of duty up to $1,000 in total compensation. Additionally, those serving active duty elsewhere in the world would receive $50 per month, up to 10 months for $500 in total compensation. The bonds would give extra compensation to about 200,000 men and women in Ohio.

None Taken

State Issue 1 passed by a 72 – 28 percent margin.

With the passage of State Issue 1, the state of Ohio will now issue bonds to compensate Ohio veterans still living in Ohio. Bonds can be issued by the state until December 31, 2013.

 

State Issue 2 was an amendment to the Ohio Constitution creating a thirteen-member Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board for the purpose of establishing standards for the caring of livestock and poultry in Ohio. The amendment was brought forth by members of Ohio’s agricultural and farming industry as a means to pre-empt out-of-state interest groups seeking to significantly regulate livestock farming practices in Ohio. 

Support

State Issue 2 passed by a 64 – 36 percent margin.

With the passage of State Issue 2, the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board will now be created. The governor, members of the Ohio House and Ohio Senate will appoint all 13 members of the board.

 

State issue 3 was a proposed amendment to the Ohio Constitution to permit casino gambling at one site in each of the following cities: Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo. These casinos would be required to pay taxes on 33 percent of their revenue. Additionally, each facility would pay a one-time licensing fee of $50 million while making an initial investment of $250 million in each facility.

None Taken

State Issue 3 passed by a 53 – 47 percent margin.

With the passage of State Issue 3, the Ohio General Assembly must now pass legislation implementing the constitutional amendment within six months. Additionally, the 7-person Ohio Casino Control Commission will need to be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Ohio Senate.

However, there is some speculation as to whether the state will fight this amendment in court or whether the legislature will attempt to put another amendment on the ballot next year to change some of the details within Issue 3, such as the tax rate.

**For more information about the November 3, 2009 election results, please click here. While local results have not been posted by the Secretary of State, they should be available in the coming days.