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Iowa Gambling Debate Delays Adjournment

DES MOINES, Iowa – As reported by the Sioux City Journal: "Republican legislative leaders conceded Thursday that nagging disputes swirling around major gambling legislation will keep lawmakers at the Statehouse longer than expected.

"Lawmakers and gambling industry interests said earlier this week that they had reached a deal on gaming tax rates and had announced they would work to adjourn by April 8.

"But negotiations between legislative leaders and the state's racetracks and riverboat casinos hit a road block Wednesday when a Senate committee chairman refused to take up a gambling bill passed in the House.

"…Republicans did not say how long they expect the legislative session will be extended, but Democrats complained it could be weeks before a gambling deal is struck.

"Passage of next year's state budget also hangs in the balance while lawmakers settle the gambling dispute.

"…Marshalltown Republican Larry McKibben, chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, said Wednesday his committee wouldn't consider the House gambling bill, because it would lead to a loss of revenue to the state he contends is around $250 million…"

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