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Iowa Senate Committees Debate Gambling Bill

IOWA – As reported by the Des Moines Register: "Iowa Senate committees will get their turn this week to debate a complex gambling bill, which in its current form would allow table games at racetrack casinos but ban state officials from issuing new licenses for riverboat-style casinos.

"The State Government Committee is scheduled to consider the gambling bill at 2 p.m. today in Room 22 at the Statehouse. The Ways and Means Committee is to consider the bill later this week.

"The entire Senate could debate the House-approved bill next week. Lawmakers favoring casino expansion are preparing an amendment authorizing up to five new licenses.

"…GOP leaders said they want to get the controversial gambling bill out of the way before they finish work on next year's state budget and end the 2004 session. Their goal is for the Legislature to adjourn by April 9.

"…Lawmakers thought they had resolved a casino tax dispute in the House version of the bill, but Senate leaders learned last week that revised tax rates would raise less money than the current tax structure, which pays for state construction projects such as the continuing renovation of the Capitol…"

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