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Kentucky Casino Bill Pushed Back

FRANKFORT, Kentucky– As reported by the Kentucky Post: "Measures to legalize casino gambling have been prefiled for the 2005 legislative session, but a Democratic House leader who supported passage of a bill in the 2004 session says the timing isn't right this time around.

"'I really haven't focused on it for this short session,' said Rep. Larry Clark, D-Louisville, who serves as Speaker Pro Tempore in the Democratic-led House. 'We have our plate full trying to deal with the budget, Medicaid, tax reform and health nsurance for state workers.'

"Beginning in February, Kentucky's lawmakers will convene for a 30-day session of the General Assembly. Voters approved these odd-year sessions through a constitutional amendment in 2000.

"Waiting to be addressed in this session are issues that proved too contentious in the last one: a balanced budget, reform of the tax code and a $526 million shortfall in Medicaid.

"…These issues all point to a serious need for new revenue, said Sen. David Boswell, D-Owensboro, who worked on the casino bills last session with Clark.

"…'This is not in my judgment the sole solution to that problem but obviously it would be a booster to help rejuvenate our economy,' said Boswell.

"…One calls for letting voters approve the legalization of gaming through a constitutional amendment. The other measure specifies the terms, which called for putting casino-style gambling at five racetracks and allowing four land-based casinos.

"Racetracks that would have received casino-style gambling were Turfway Park in Florence, Kentucky Downs in Franklin, Thunder Ridge in Prestonsburg and Churchill Downs in Louisville.

"…Estimates from last session projected state revenues, after a five-year maturation period, of up to $430 million.

"Raised revenues would have funded education and Medicaid, Kentucky's health insurance for low-income citizens.

"Clark got the bills at a committee meeting last session, but they ultimately died because racetracks couldn't agree on the terms…"

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