Buckeye Reporter

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is urging a delay in the proposed 15-year extension of JobsOhio's lease on state liquor profits. The deal, according to Yost, does not require any compensation from the private corporation.

"I have grave concerns that this is not a good deal for Ohioans," Yost stated in a letter addressed to JobsOhio. "Fifteen years is a long time, and the people of Ohio deserve proper consideration and a full explanation."

Yost also communicated with the Office of Budget and Management, requesting that the Controlling Board postpone their decision on the extension at their upcoming meeting on February 12.

The current proposal aims to extend JobsOhio's original 25-year lease by an additional 15 years. Initially, JobsOhio was required to make an upfront payment of approximately $1.4 billion under the original agreement. Yost questions why no similar payment is mandated for this extension.

"It appears to me JobsOhio is required to pay nothing for a 15-year extension of this limited, one-time franchise," Yost expressed. "How is it in the best interest of the people of Ohio to extend such a valuable franchise under these circumstances?"

A meeting between the Attorney General’s Office and JobsOhio was scheduled for today to discuss further details about the deal. However, Yost reported that JobsOhio canceled this meeting and could not reschedule before the matter goes before the Controlling Board next week.

"I am requesting that you delay the adoption of this measure until we have had an opportunity to more fully discuss the matter and its implications for Ohioans," Yost urged in his letter to JobsOhio. "The statute authorizing this extension requires the approval of JobsOhio to proceed, so it is within your ability to delay this matter in the interest of public trust and transparency."