Prop A boosts schools
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
In an interesting twist, opponents of casino gambling and proponents of its expansion both want you to vote “no” on Proposition A on the Missouri general election ballot.
We choose a different course, endorsing a “yes” vote for Prop A for three primary reasons:
n This proposal will mean more money for schools in Missouri.
State Auditor Susan Montee projects that repeal of the $500 “loss limit” and the 1 percent increase (to 21 percent) in the state gaming tax that casinos pay will produce $105 million to $130 million per year in new revenue.
The state constitution requires this money be used for public education. And the ballot measure prohibits using new casino tax revenues to replace current education funding. An annual audit would ensure this is the case.
n If this indeed is an expansion of gambling, it is a modest expansion.
The conventional wisdom is that repeal of the $500 limit will mean gamblers comfortable with losing more than that amount can keep on playing without leaving the casino premises for two hours. We’re talking about a narrow audience here; the average amount lost at Missouri’s casinos is about $70 per visit.
Also, it’s worth noting that no other state has a similar “loss limit” regulation. The Missouri Gaming Commission itself has said there is no evidence that the loss limit is a deterrent to compulsive gambling.
n This will improve the competitive climate for Missouri’s existing casinos.
This measure wisely would cap the number of casinos in the state at the existing 13. At the same time, the other provisions would make our casinos more competitive with those in surrounding states.
The gaming commission estimates that — unless something is done to level the playing field — Missouri’s casinos could lose $180 million to $200 million in revenue per year to the new gaming venues planned in eastern Kansas. By that projection, the state’s casino tax revenues dedicated to schools could fall by up to $42 million annually.
It’s clear that Missourians will pay a high price if they stick with the status quo.
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Most Missourians could care less about the loss limits, us senior citizens can NOT stand, and Will NOT tolerate any kind of TAX increase that is associated with Schools. You got us to put in the Gambling by telling us that ALL proceeds would go to Schools and then 6 times since then, you have ask for School Levy increases. We got 2.3% INCREASE IN OUR Social Security, and everything else went up by at LEAST 30%. NOW in 2009 they are proposing a 2.5% increase for Social Security. Therefore in 2009, we will effectively be making $300.00 a month LESS than we were in 2007, and STILL having to deal with the INFLATED Prices. Therefore, DO NOT ask for any MORE money for the schools, ESPECIALLY when you pass people ahead, that can not even READ. If I did such a poor job at MY work, I would be TERMINATED, PERIOD! I can tell you in advance,,,any attempt to squeeze more money from us people who haven't had any kids in School for 25+ years, will be met with a resounding NO,NO,NO, times 1000 !! A MIND may be a terrible thing to waste, but so is MY money, and I DO consider it a WASTE, if EVERYONE who you teach does not, DO the lessons, Pass the tests, or repeat the SAME grade next year. You are making it WAY to easy for them to FAIL by attaching NO Consequences for doing so! In 20 years our country will be run by a bunch of Illiterates, instead of a bunch of IDIOTS !!! Better Change or we are ALL DOOMED !!!!!
Steve-O
Posted by ninja_man on October 14, 2008 at 2:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)isnt it great that we use gambling addictions to pay for our schools? what a good thing. imagine the tax money we could get from prostitution and drugs if they were legal... we could get some really nice things for our schools.
ps... steve_o,
Posted by lilyann on October 14, 2008 at 8:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)i think your caps lock might be sticking.
Steve-O,
If you don't want to pay the tax increase don't gamble. Its as simple as that. Not to mention its only a 1% increase. If "the average amount lost at Missouri’s casinos is about $70 per visit" thats only a 70 cent increase. Its not that much to ask for if you ask me. Plus the casinos actually pay the tax not you individually, the tax comes from the casino revenue!
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