Damon Thayer’s pre-filed a gambling amendment and he’s going full-force to promote his legislation.
Check his editorial claiming that the best way to move forward is to let Kentuckians vote on expanding gambling:
For too long, casino gambling has dominated the debate in Frankfort to the detriment of all other issues. Governor Steve Beshear has advocated very little, if anything, beyond the expansion of gambling. Attorney General opinions throughout the years are divided. The Governor campaigned on “letting the people decide.” As recently as last year, members of House Democratic Leadership promoted a constitutional amendment to expand gambling.
The constitutional amendment that I have proposed will take the issue off the table so the Governor can focus on working with the General Assembly in a bipartisan manner to address the serious public policy issues facing Kentucky. If passed, it would allow video-lottery terminals in counties that have horse racing, with a local referendum vote. The proceeds would go to purses, breeders incentives and marketing for horse racing, and the facility operators, with the remainder sent to the state for capital projects and debt service reduction.
Click here to read the rest…
6 responses so far ↓
1 Bimbeau // Nov 6, 2009 at 10:30 pm
Just another delaying tactic.
Anything to keep government from implementing a solution.
2 Steve Magruder (I, not D or R) // Nov 7, 2009 at 1:23 am
The problem with the “government solution” is that it’s unconstitutional. If this is going to be done, it needs to be done correctly.
3 Conservative // Nov 7, 2009 at 9:13 am
I have to agree with Mr. Magruder. Any legislative vote on gambling without a constitutional amendment is going to be met with a court case and a restraining order prohibiting the implementation of any gambling program until the case is resolved. My feelings on gambling are a little different than most conservatives. I don’t have a problem with it, but it should NOT be a bailout for the horsey set. It should be full-blow resort casinos located in counties with high unemployment and small property tax bases, in order to gain the maximum benefit for the state.
And I respect Sen. Williams’ position against gambling in Kentucky, but I disagree that there shouldn’t be an amendment on the ballot.
4 Marky Tagg // Nov 7, 2009 at 10:35 am
Let the people vote!!!!!
5 Steve Bittenbender // Nov 7, 2009 at 12:34 pm
But why should there be two votes? Ohio’s referendum didn’t call for Cincy, Columbus, Toledo and Cleveland to have a second local vote for their casinos.
6 Polar // Nov 8, 2009 at 3:58 pm
What are the chances of this passing a state ref? It’d pass in Jefferson and maybe the Cinci burbs, but I have no faith in the hicks outside the Golden Triangle dropping their religious-based hypocracy and voting for this.
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