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Casino deal could ease Florida's money woes4 September 2007TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- As reported by the Florida Star-Banner: "As lawmakers prepare for a special session in a few weeks to cut more than $1 billion from the state budget, Gov. Charlie Crist and some lawmakers say an agreement allowing the Seminole Tribe to expand its casino games could help ease the state's financial woes. "Sen. Steve Geller, the leader of the Senate Democrats, warned that without new money - which could result from a gambling deal with the Seminoles - the state is facing deep cuts in critical programs for health care, education and the elderly. "...While acknowledging that some budget cuts will be necessary, Geller said the Democrats are ready to discuss several options for increasing state revenue, including eliminating some of the recent tax cuts advanced by former Gov. Jeb Bush, removing some existing sales tax exemptions or increasing some user fees. "...Others, though, see a troubling trend in the state's increasing willingness to look at the expansion of gambling as a key revenue source. "...The Seminoles are pushing for the right to operate Las Vegas-style slot machines at six locations in the state, including Tampa, Hollywood, Coconut Creek, Immokalee, Brighton and Big Cypress. "...And the U.S. Interior Department has given the state until Sept. 11 - a week before the special session starts - to come up with an agreement with the Seminoles. "Crist is now involved in negotiations with the Seminoles to allow the slot machines as well as the addition of other casino games, such as blackjack or roulette..." |