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Indiana County Fights Casino Tax Proposal

INDIANA – As reported by the Kentucky Courier-Journal: "Harrison County's political leaders have hired an Indianapolis lobbyist to fight a legislative proposal that would reduce the county's annual casino tax revenues by $19 million.

"The contract with lawyer Joseph Loftus -- at a rate of up to $5,000 a month -- has been expedited because county officials want to make sure they have an advocate at the Statehouse now, given that millions of dollars are at stake, Harrison County Council President Gary Davis said yesterday.

"…Some Republicans in the Indiana Senate are pushing a plan that would take nearly $76 million in casino wagering and admissions tax revenue from counties and cities with riverboats to help balance the state budget.

"Harrison County's annual $23.2 million allocation would shrink to $4 million as a result of the proposal.

"…If the Senate proposal eventually is approved, Goldman said, revenue sharing would cease immediately. The county also would have to lay off the police officers…"

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