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Indiana won't take casino money

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – As reported by the Louisville Courier-Journal: "Casino communities can relax a little — at least for now.

"Fiscal leaders in the Indiana Senate say they have no plans to try to take casino tax revenue from Harrison County and other riverboat communities to shore up the state budget or redistribute to other local governments.

"Senate Republicans tried that two years ago with a budget proposal that would have cost Harrison County some $19million a year. But opposition from casino communities and their lawmakers — as well as criticism from Gov. Mitch Daniels — killed the idea.

"Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Bob Meeks, R-LaGrange, said that was enough for him.

"…That's a relief, said Harrison County Council President Gary Davis, who still remains cautious. He said casino communities must make sure they are spending their money carefully and continue to share it with their neighbors.

"…Senate Tax Committee Chairman Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, who helped develop the 2004 plan, said casino communities shouldn't get too comfortable with their cash.

"…At issue is about $235million in wagering and admissions tax revenue that cities and counties receive each year from the riverboats located in their communities…"

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